Delaware · Winter visitor

White-crowned Sparrows in Delaware

When white-crowned sparrows are present in Delaware, when they nest, which native Delaware plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7a–8a yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)White-crowned SparrowZonotrichia leucophrys

Status in Delaware: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 7a–8a

When to expect white-crowned sparrows in Delaware

In Delaware, white-crowned sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild winters with modest snow; coastal marshes draw huge numbers of wintering sparrows and blackbirds. While here they rely on seeds.

Humid subtropical to temperate coastal plain between Delaware Bay and the Atlantic.

Native Delaware plants that attract white-crowned sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for Delaware, these 7 provide food or cover white-crowned sparrows use:

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Sugar maple

Acer saccharum · Tree

Hosts hundreds of caterpillar species; spring flowers draw early insects.

Red maple

Acer rubrum · Tree

Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.

Feeding white-crowned sparrows through the Delaware year

A classic winter sparrow of western yards and southern farmland.

Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
In Delaware's winter: Mild winters with modest snow; coastal marshes draw huge numbers of wintering sparrows and blackbirds.

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

Frequently asked

Are white-crowned sparrows in Delaware year-round?

No. White-crowned Sparrows are winter visitors in Delaware and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract white-crowned sparrows in Delaware?

Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, New England aster, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Sugar maple, Red maple are native plants in Delaware that provide food or cover for white-crowned sparrows.

Other backyard birds in Delaware

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Carolina Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Carolina Wren Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Orchard Oriole Pine Siskin Indigo Bunting Eastern Towhee Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Wood Thrush Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling Fox Sparrow

Sources

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.