American Tree Sparrow in December
Where American tree sparrows are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the American Tree Sparrow's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the American Tree Sparrow specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 50 states and provinces where American tree sparrows occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where American tree sparrows are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- winter visitor
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, American tree sparrows are absent in the South, winter visitor across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
American tree sparrows are not nesting in December. The season runs June–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, American tree sparrows put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Grass and weed seeds
A winter-only visitor to most of the U.S.; forages in weedy fields and under feeders.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full American Tree Sparrow diet guide → · Best feeder for American tree sparrows →
Watching American tree sparrows this month
American tree sparrows are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region American tree sparrows are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
American Tree Sparrow month by month
American Tree Sparrow by state
Frequently asked
Where are American tree sparrows in December?
In December, American tree sparrows are absent in the South, winter visitor across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do American tree sparrows nest in December?
No — American tree sparrows typically nest June through July at mid-latitudes.
What do American tree sparrows eat in December?
Grass and weed seeds.
Sources
- American Tree Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Tree Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- American Tree 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.