New York · Tree

Black spruce for birds in New York

Persistent cones in boreal bogs. Native to New York, where it feeds or shelters 14 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Picea mariana
Native status: Native in New York
Hardiness zones: USDA 3b–7b
What birds get from it: conifer seed and cover
New York birds supported: 14
Nesting birds among them: 11

Growing conditions in New York

Humid continental, from cold Adirondack highlands to the maritime-moderated coast of Long Island.

Warm summers with a shorter nesting season upstate than downstate.

New York birds that use Black spruce

Long, snowy winters upstate; lake-effect snow belts make feeders and roost boxes important.

Nesting season it supports in New York

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Black spruce:

Black-capped Chickadee — April–July
Red-breasted Nuthatch — May–June
Evening Grosbeak — June–July
Pine Siskin — April–June
Pine Warbler — April–June
Canada Jay — March–April
Golden-crowned Kinglet — May–July
Red Crossbill — January–December
Northern Saw-whet Owl — March–June
Black-backed Woodpecker — May–July

Native plants to pair with Black spruce in New York

Eastern white pine

Pinus strobus · Tree

Seeds and year-round shelter.

Eastern red cedar

Juniperus virginiana · Tree

Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.

Eastern hemlock

Tsuga canadensis · Tree

Small cones for siskins and chickadees; dense winter roosting.

Balsam fir

Abies balsamea · Tree

Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.

White spruce

Picea glauca · Tree

Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.

Tamarack

Larix laricina · Tree

Deciduous conifer with small cones for siskins and redpolls.

Frequently asked

Is Black spruce native to New York?

Yes. Black spruce (Picea mariana) is recorded as native in New York. New York spans USDA 3b–7b.

What birds does Black spruce attract in New York?

In New York, Black spruce supports 14 backyard birds, including Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Pine Warbler.

Does Black spruce help nesting birds in New York?

11 of those birds nest in New York: Black-capped Chickadee (April–July), Red-breasted Nuthatch (May–June), Evening Grosbeak (June–July), Pine Siskin (April–June).

Which winter birds use Black spruce in New York?

Winter visitors Common Redpoll, Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll use it in New York during the cold months.

Sources

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.