White-throated Sparrows in New Hampshire
When white-throated 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
- June–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
When to expect white-throated sparrows in New Hampshire
White-throated 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 seeds, sumac and dogwood fruit.
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Nesting in New Hampshire
Across New Hampshire, white-throated sparrows typically nest from June–July. Nest site: cup on or near the ground in forest openings and bogs. Females lay 3–5 eggs, incubate for 11–14 days, and young leave the nest after 7–12 days.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
- White-throated Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, serviceberry, winterberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native New Hampshire plants that attract white-throated sparrows
Of the regional native plants we track for New Hampshire, these 8 provide food or cover white-throated sparrows use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
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.
Feeding white-throated sparrows through the New Hampshire year
White-throats scratch under feeders near thickets; brush piles hold them all 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 white-throated sparrows · Best feeder for white-throated sparrows
Frequently asked
Are white-throated sparrows in New Hampshire year-round?
Yes. White-throated Sparrows are year-round residents in New Hampshire.
When do white-throated sparrows nest in New Hampshire?
Nesting in New Hampshire typically runs June–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 11–14 days.
What native plants attract white-throated sparrows in New Hampshire?
Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum are native plants in New Hampshire that provide food or cover for white-throated sparrows.
White-throated Sparrows in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Hampshire
Sources
- White-throated Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- White-throated Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- White-throated 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.