Idaho · Summer breeder

Fox Sparrows in Idaho

When fox sparrows are present in Idaho, when they nest, which native Idaho plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–7b yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Fox SparrowPasserella iliaca

Status in Idaho: Summer breeder
Nesting window: May–July
Broods: 1–2 per season
Hardiness zones: USDA 3b–7b

When to expect fox sparrows in Idaho

Fox Sparrows are summer residents in Idaho, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects.

Semi-arid sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.

Nesting in Idaho

Across Idaho, fox sparrows typically nest from May–July. Nest site: cup on the ground or low in shrubs. Females lay 2–5 eggs, incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 9–11 days.

Hot, dry summers in the Snake River Plain and cool mountain summers.

Fox Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, paper birch, chokecherry for nest sites.
Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Native Idaho plants that attract fox sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for Idaho, these 8 provide food or cover fox sparrows use:

Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra · Shrub

Red fruit heads hang on through winter.

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

Common sunflower

Helianthus annuus · Perennial

Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Feeding fox sparrows through the Idaho year

Scratches with both feet at once, flinging leaves.

Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
In Idaho's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for fox sparrows · Best feeder for fox sparrows

Frequently asked

Are fox sparrows in Idaho year-round?

No. Fox Sparrows are summer breeders in Idaho and leave for the winter.

When do fox sparrows nest in Idaho?

Nesting in Idaho typically runs May–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.

What native plants attract fox sparrows in Idaho?

Smooth sumac, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry are native plants in Idaho that provide food or cover for fox sparrows.

Other backyard birds in Idaho

Black-capped Chickadee Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren House Finch Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Red-winged Blackbird Evening Grosbeak Pine Siskin Common Redpoll Gray Catbird Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Yellow-rumped Warbler Eastern Kingbird American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling Steller's Jay Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay Black-billed Magpie Canada Jay Mountain Chickadee Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Juniper Titmouse Pygmy Nuthatch Black-chinned Hummingbird Rufous Hummingbird Broad-tailed Hummingbird Lesser Goldfinch Cassin's Finch Spotted Towhee California Quail Western Bluebird Mountain Bluebird Say's Phoebe White-crowned Sparrow Varied Thrush Violet-green Swallow Black-headed Grosbeak Lazuli Bunting Bullock's Oriole Eurasian Collared-Dove

Sources

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.