White-crowned Sparrows in Wyoming
When white-crowned sparrows 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
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–4 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect white-crowned sparrows in Wyoming
White-crowned Sparrows are summer residents in Wyoming, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on insects.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, 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.
Short, warm summers with cool nights.
- White-crowned Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as rabbitbrush for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Wyoming plants that attract white-crowned sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, these 8 provide food or cover white-crowned sparrows 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 white-crowned sparrows through the Wyoming year
A classic winter sparrow of western yards and southern farmland.
- Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
- In Wyoming'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 Wyoming year-round?
No. White-crowned Sparrows are summer breeders in Wyoming and leave for the winter.
When do white-crowned sparrows nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming 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 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 white-crowned sparrows.
White-crowned Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — 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.