Harris's Sparrows in North Dakota
When Harris's sparrows are present in North Dakota, when they nest, which native North Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–4b yard.
- Status in North Dakota
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
When to expect Harris's sparrows in North Dakota
In North Dakota, Harris's sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Severe winters to −30°F; Snow Buntings and redpolls arrive from the Arctic.
Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Native North Dakota plants that attract Harris's sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for North Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover Harris's 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.
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.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.
Feeding Harris's sparrows through the North Dakota year
- Top foods: Millet, Black-oil sunflower.
- In North Dakota's winter: Severe winters to −30°F; Snow Buntings and redpolls arrive from the Arctic.
Full diet breakdown for Harris's sparrows · Best feeder for Harris's sparrows
Frequently asked
Are Harris's sparrows in North Dakota year-round?
No. Harris's Sparrows are winter visitors in North Dakota and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract Harris's sparrows in North Dakota?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Sugar maple are native plants in North Dakota that provide food or cover for Harris's sparrows.
Harris's Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Dakota
Sources
- Harris's Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Harris's Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Harris's Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — North Dakota
- 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.