Fox Sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador
When fox sparrows are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.
- Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
When to expect fox sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador
Fox Sparrows are summer residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects.
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, fox sparrows typically nest from June–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.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
- Fox Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as winterberry, paper birch, red maple for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract fox sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 8 provide food or cover fox sparrows use:
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Waxy fruit carries Yellow-rumped Warblers through coastal winters.
Feeding fox sparrows through the Newfoundland and Labrador year
Scratches with both feet at once, flinging leaves.
- Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
- In Newfoundland and Labrador'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 Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?
No. Fox Sparrows are summer breeders in Newfoundland and Labrador and leave for the winter.
When do fox sparrows nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador typically runs June–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract fox sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Winterberry, Paper birch, Red maple, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Bayberry are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for fox sparrows.
Fox Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
Sources
- Fox Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Fox Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Fox Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Newfoundland and Labrador
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- 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.