Fox Sparrows in Yukon
When fox sparrows are present in Yukon, when they nest, which native Yukon plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1b yard.
- Status in Yukon
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1b
When to expect fox sparrows in Yukon
Fox Sparrows are summer residents in Yukon, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects.
Subarctic continental with mountains, boreal forest and Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Yukon
Across Yukon, 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 summers with nearly 24-hour daylight.
- Fox Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, pin cherry, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Yukon plants that attract fox sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Yukon, these 8 provide food or cover fox sparrows use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
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.
Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Low evergreen with winter-persistent red fruit.
Feeding fox sparrows through the Yukon year
Scratches with both feet at once, flinging leaves.
- Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
- In Yukon'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 Yukon year-round?
No. Fox Sparrows are summer breeders in Yukon and leave for the winter.
When do fox sparrows nest in Yukon?
Nesting in Yukon 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 Yukon?
Paper birch, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Western serviceberry, Willow (Bebb), Bearberry are native plants in Yukon that provide food or cover for fox sparrows.
Fox Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Yukon
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 — Yukon
- 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.