American Tree Sparrows in Utah
When American tree sparrows are present in Utah, when they nest, which native Utah plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Utah
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect American tree sparrows in Utah
In Utah, American tree sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold winters with valley inversions; mountain birds descend to backyards. While here they rely on grass and weed seeds.
Semi-arid to arid, with the Wasatch Range rising above the Great Basin and red-rock canyon country in the south.
Native Utah plants that attract American tree sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Utah, these 8 provide food or cover American tree sparrows use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Fruit and seed plus nest sites for Cactus Wrens.
Feeding American tree sparrows through the Utah year
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower.
- In Utah's winter: Cold winters with valley inversions; mountain birds descend to backyards.
Full diet breakdown for American tree sparrows · Best feeder for American tree sparrows
Frequently asked
Are American tree sparrows in Utah year-round?
No. American Tree Sparrows are winter visitors in Utah and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract American tree sparrows in Utah?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush, Prickly pear are native plants in Utah that provide food or cover for American tree sparrows.
American Tree Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Utah
Sources
- American Tree Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Tree Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Tree Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Utah
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.