Snow Buntings in Wyoming
When snow buntings 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
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect snow buntings in Wyoming
In Wyoming, snow buntings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold, very windy winters.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Native Wyoming plants that attract snow buntings
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, these 8 provide food or cover snow buntings 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.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Feeding snow buntings through the Wyoming year
- Top foods: Cracked corn, Millet (scattered on open ground or snow).
- In Wyoming's winter: Cold, very windy winters.
Full diet breakdown for snow buntings · Best feeder for snow buntings
Frequently asked
Are snow buntings in Wyoming year-round?
No. Snow Buntings are winter visitors in Wyoming and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract snow buntings in Wyoming?
Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Rabbitbrush are native plants in Wyoming that provide food or cover for snow buntings.
Snow Buntings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
Sources
- Snow Bunting — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Snow Bunting life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Snow Bunting — 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.