Golden-crowned Sparrows in Washington
When golden-crowned sparrows are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect golden-crowned sparrows in Washington
In Washington, golden-crowned sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east. While here they rely on seeds and buds.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Native Washington plants that attract golden-crowned sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, these 8 provide food or cover golden-crowned sparrows use:
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.
Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding golden-crowned sparrows through the Washington year
A West Coast winter visitor from October to April.
- Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
- In Washington's winter: Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.
Full diet breakdown for golden-crowned sparrows · Best feeder for golden-crowned sparrows
Frequently asked
Are golden-crowned sparrows in Washington year-round?
No. Golden-crowned Sparrows are winter visitors in Washington and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract golden-crowned sparrows in Washington?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for golden-crowned sparrows.
Golden-crowned Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
Sources
- Golden-crowned Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Golden-crowned Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Golden-crowned Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Washington
- 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.