The American tree sparrow, also known as the winter sparrow, is a medium-sized New World sparrow. It breeds in Alaska and Northern Canada and winters in Southern Canada and the Contiguous United States. It is the only member of the genus Spizelloides.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds across the tundra and shrublands of Alaska and northern Canada, favoring willow and dwarf birch thickets near wet areas. In winter it moves south through southern Canada and much of the contiguous United States, using open fields, weedy edges, marsh borders, and brushy woodlots. It readily visits backyard feeding areas, especially where seed spills onto the ground. During migration it uses a variety of open and semi-open habitats with scattered shrubs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the winter sparrow, it often appears at feeders during cold months, where it prefers to forage on the ground. It is the sole member of the genus Spizelloides. Look for its distinctive rusty cap, gray face, and a dark central breast spot to separate it from similar sparrows. It frequently flocks with Dark-eyed Juncos in winter.
American tree sparrow in Central Park
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with slightly undulating flight
Social Behavior
Often forms loose flocks in winter, frequently associating with juncos and other sparrows while foraging on the ground. Pairs form on the breeding grounds; nests are placed low in shrubs or on the ground, and the female typically incubates while the male helps feed. Broods usually consist of several young that fledge quickly in the short northern summer.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A clear, musical, tinkling song with sweet ringing notes and soft trills. Calls include thin, high tseet notes and soft chips given in flight and while foraging.
Plumage
Gray-brown upperparts with a gray face and breast, rufous crown and eye line, and clean underparts marked by a small central breast spot. Two crisp white wing bars and a slightly notched tail. Overall plumage is smooth with fine streaking on the flanks.
Diet
In winter it consumes mainly seeds of grasses and weeds such as ragweed, foxtail, and knotweed, often gleaned from the ground or low plants. In the breeding season it shifts to insects and other invertebrates including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders to fuel nesting and feed young. It may also take small buds and occasional berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground in open, weedy fields, brushy edges, and marsh margins. In winter it commonly feeds beneath bird feeders where spilled seed accumulates. On the breeding grounds it forages among tundra shrubs and wet thickets.
