The best feeder for white-crowned sparrows
A classic winter sparrow of western yards and southern farmland.
Feeder styles that work
Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What to fill it with
- Millet
- Sunflower chips
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The White-crowned Sparrow measures 5.9–6.3 in and weighs 0.9–1 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for white-crowned sparrows?
Low ground tray under cover. Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What should I put in a feeder for white-crowned sparrows?
Millet, Sunflower chips.
Where should I place a feeder for white-crowned sparrows?
A classic winter sparrow of western yards and southern farmland.
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
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.