Fox Sparrows in Tennessee
When fox sparrows are present in Tennessee, when they nest, which native Tennessee plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 6a–8a yard.
- Status in Tennessee
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6a–8a
When to expect fox sparrows in Tennessee
In Tennessee, fox sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Moderate winters; high elevations in the Smokies hold northern species year-round. While here they rely on seeds and berries.
Humid subtropical, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River floodplain.
Native Tennessee plants that attract fox sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Tennessee, these 8 provide food or cover fox sparrows use:
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Feeding fox sparrows through the Tennessee year
Scratches with both feet at once, flinging leaves.
- Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
- In Tennessee's winter: Moderate winters; high elevations in the Smokies hold northern species year-round.
Full diet breakdown for fox sparrows · Best feeder for fox sparrows
Frequently asked
Are fox sparrows in Tennessee year-round?
No. Fox Sparrows are winter visitors in Tennessee and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract fox sparrows in Tennessee?
Flowering dogwood, Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry are native plants in Tennessee that provide food or cover for fox sparrows.
Fox Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Tennessee
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 — Tennessee
- 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.