Song Sparrows in New Hampshire
When song sparrows are present in New Hampshire, when they nest, which native New Hampshire plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6a yard.
- Status in New Hampshire
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- May–August
- Broods
- 2–3 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
When to expect song sparrows in New Hampshire
Song Sparrows live in New Hampshire all year. Long, snowy winters; boreal species visit feeders in irruption years. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward weed and grass seeds.
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Nesting in New Hampshire
Across New Hampshire, song sparrows typically nest from May–August. Nest site: grass cup on the ground or low in shrubs. Females lay 3–5 eggs, incubate for 12–14 days, and young leave the nest after 9–12 days.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
- Song Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as serviceberry, white oak, black cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native New Hampshire plants that attract song sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for New Hampshire, these 8 provide food or cover song sparrows use:
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.
Lipid-rich red fruit fuels fall migrants.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.
Feeding song sparrows through the New Hampshire year
Song Sparrows feed at the edge of shrubbery and are among the first birds singing in late winter.
- Best foods: Millet, Hulled sunflower, Cracked corn.
- In New Hampshire's winter: Long, snowy winters; boreal species visit feeders in irruption years.
Full diet breakdown for song sparrows · Best feeder for song sparrows
Frequently asked
Are song sparrows in New Hampshire year-round?
Yes. Song Sparrows are year-round residents in New Hampshire.
When do song sparrows nest in New Hampshire?
Nesting in New Hampshire typically runs May–August, with 2–3 per season. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days.
What native plants attract song sparrows in New Hampshire?
Serviceberry, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, Spicebush, Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan are native plants in New Hampshire that provide food or cover for song sparrows.
Song Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Hampshire
Sources
- Song Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Song Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Song Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Hampshire
- 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.