White-crowned Sparrows in Northwest Territories
When white-crowned sparrows are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–4 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect white-crowned sparrows in Northwest Territories
White-crowned Sparrows are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, 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.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- White-crowned Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, willow (bebb), dwarf birch for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract white-crowned sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 4 provide food or cover white-crowned sparrows use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
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 Northwest Territories year
A classic winter sparrow of western yards and southern farmland.
- Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
- In Northwest Territories'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 Northwest Territories year-round?
No. White-crowned Sparrows are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do white-crowned sparrows nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch, Fireweed are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for white-crowned sparrows.
White-crowned Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
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 — Northwest Territories
- 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.