White-crowned Sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador
When white-crowned sparrows are present in Newfoundland and Labrador, when they nest, which native Newfoundland and Labrador plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–6b yard.
- Status in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–4 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–6b
When to expect white-crowned sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador
White-crowned Sparrows are summer residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects.
Cool maritime on the island of Newfoundland; subarctic in Labrador.
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador
Across Newfoundland and Labrador, white-crowned sparrows typically nest from June–July. Nest site: cup on or near the ground. Females lay 2–7 eggs, incubate for 11–14 days, and young leave the nest after 10 days.
Cool summers; nesting often starts in June.
- White-crowned Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, red maple, willow (bebb) for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Newfoundland and Labrador plants that attract white-crowned sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Newfoundland and Labrador, these 5 provide food or cover white-crowned sparrows use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Tall magenta spikes are a key northern hummingbird flower.
Feeding white-crowned sparrows through the Newfoundland and Labrador year
A classic winter sparrow of western yards and southern farmland.
- Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
- In Newfoundland and Labrador's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for white-crowned sparrows · Best feeder for white-crowned sparrows
Frequently asked
Are white-crowned sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador year-round?
No. White-crowned Sparrows are summer breeders in Newfoundland and Labrador and leave for the winter.
When do white-crowned sparrows nest in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nesting in Newfoundland and Labrador typically runs June–July, with 1–4 per season. Clutches are 2–7 eggs, incubated for 11–14 days.
What native plants attract white-crowned sparrows in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Paper birch, Red maple, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Newfoundland and Labrador that provide food or cover for white-crowned sparrows.
White-crowned Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Newfoundland and Labrador
Sources
- White-crowned Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- White-crowned Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- White-crowned Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Newfoundland and Labrador
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- 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.