Fox Sparrows in Wyoming
When fox sparrows are present in Wyoming, when they nest, which native Wyoming plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.
- Status in Wyoming
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect fox sparrows in Wyoming
Fox Sparrows are summer residents in Wyoming, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, 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.
Short, warm summers with cool nights.
- Fox Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Wyoming plants that attract fox sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, these 8 provide food or cover fox sparrows use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Feeding fox sparrows through the Wyoming year
Scratches with both feet at once, flinging leaves.
- Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
- In Wyoming'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 Wyoming year-round?
No. Fox Sparrows are summer breeders in Wyoming and leave for the winter.
When do fox sparrows nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Smooth sumac, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry are native plants in Wyoming that provide food or cover for fox sparrows.
Fox Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — Wyoming
- 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.