Yukon · Summer breeder

Golden-crowned Sparrows in Yukon

When golden-crowned 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.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Golden-crowned SparrowZonotrichia atricapilla
Status in Yukon
Summer breeder
Nesting window
July
Broods
1 per season
Hardiness zones
Canada 0a–1b

When to expect golden-crowned sparrows in Yukon

Golden-crowned Sparrows are summer residents in Yukon, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects on breeding grounds.

Subarctic continental with mountains, boreal forest and Arctic tundra in the north.

Nesting in Yukon

Across Yukon, golden-crowned sparrows typically nest from July. Nest site: cup on the ground in shrubby tundra. Females lay 3–5 eggs, incubate for 11–12 days, and young leave the nest after 9–11 days.

Short summers with nearly 24-hour daylight.

  • Golden-crowned Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, willow (bebb), dwarf birch for nest sites.
  • Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Native Yukon plants that attract golden-crowned sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for Yukon, these 4 provide food or cover golden-crowned sparrows use:

Paper birch
Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.

Willow (Bebb)
Salix bebbiana · Shrub

Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.

Dwarf birch
Betula glandulosa · Shrub

Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.

Fireweed
Chamaenerion angustifolium · Perennial

Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.

Feeding golden-crowned sparrows through the Yukon year

A West Coast winter visitor from October to April.

  • Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
  • In Yukon's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for golden-crowned sparrows · Best feeder for golden-crowned sparrows

Frequently asked

Are golden-crowned sparrows in Yukon year-round?

No. Golden-crowned Sparrows are summer breeders in Yukon and leave for the winter.

When do golden-crowned sparrows nest in Yukon?

Nesting in Yukon typically runs July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 11–12 days.

What native plants attract golden-crowned sparrows in Yukon?

Paper birch, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Yukon that provide food or cover for golden-crowned sparrows.

Golden-crowned Sparrows in other regions

Other backyard birds in Yukon

Sources

  1. Golden-crowned Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Golden-crowned Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Golden-crowned Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. eBird region overview and bar charts — Yukon
  5. Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
  6. 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.