American Tree Sparrow

spizelloides arborea

The American Tree Sparrow is a cheerful and hardy visitor to winter backyards across North America. Despite its name, this small sparrow actually spends most of its time foraging on the ground and nests on tundra shrubs rather than high in the canopy. Originally named by European settlers who noted its resemblance to the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, this bird is easily recognized by its bright rusty cap and a single dark spot in the center of its breast. In the summer, they migrate to the far north of Canada and Alaska, where they fill the open tundra with sweet, musical songs. During the winter, they travel south in cooperative flocks, bringing life to snowy fields and garden feeders alike.

Habitat: Found in open shrubby tundra during the breeding season, and weedy fields, forest edges, and suburban backyards during the winter.

Appearance

A medium-sized sparrow measuring about 13 to 16 centimeters, the American Tree Sparrow is identified by its bright rufous-brown cap and a thin rufous line extending behind its eye. Its gray face contrasts with a clean, unstreaked gray-white breast, which is uniquely marked with a distinct dark spot right in the center. Its wings feature two distinct white bars on a background of warm brown and black streaks. Additionally, it has a prominent two-toned bill with a dark gray upper mandible and a bright yellow lower mandible.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPasserellidaeGenusSpizelloides

American Tree Sparrow

Interesting facts

An individual American Tree Sparrow must consume about thirty percent of its body weight in food and water every day to survive cold winter temperatures.

Despite its name, the American Tree Sparrow actually nests on or near the ground, not in trees, as early European settlers mistook them for the European Tree Sparrow.

They form foraging flocks during the winter, often mixing with other species like Dark-eyed Juncos and Harris's Sparrows.

They have a distinctive bicolored bill: the upper half is dark grey or black, while the lower half is a bright yellow.

Special abilities

They can survive temperatures as low as minus twenty degrees Fahrenheit by continuously shivering to raise their metabolic rate.

They use a specialized double-scratch hop technique with both feet to clear snow and leaf litter, exposing hidden seeds.

They utilize a constant stream of high-pitched, soft notes while feeding to keep flock members coordinated and safe in dense brush.

Measurements & details

Length: 13-16 cm
Wingspan: 20-24 cm
Weight: 0.013-0.028 kg
Lifespan: 2-8 years
Top Speed: 35 km/h
Clutch Size: 4-6
Incubation: 11-13 days
Migration Distance: 3000 km

Diet & Feeding

During the winter, they rely almost exclusively on the seeds of grasses, weeds, and birch trees. In summer, they shift to a high-protein diet of insects and spiders to support breeding.

Age differences: Chicks are fed entirely on insects and other small invertebrates, whereas adults gradually transition to a seed-based diet as winter approaches.

Primary Foods

Grass seeds
Weed seeds
Caterpillars
Beetles
Berries

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

Preys on wintering sparrows at garden feeders and forest edges.

competitor

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

Competes for fallen seeds and space at winter foraging sites and backyard feeders.

eaten by

Merlin

Falco columbarius

Preys on adult sparrows during their migration and in breeding territories.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify American Tree Sparrow?

The easiest way to identify American Tree Sparrow is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is American Tree Sparrow?

13-16 cm

What is American Tree Sparrow's wingspan?

20-24 cm

How much does American Tree Sparrow weigh?

0.013-0.028 kg

How long does American Tree Sparrow live?

2-8 years

How fast can American Tree Sparrow move?

35 km/h

What does American Tree Sparrow eat?

During the winter, they rely almost exclusively on the seeds of grasses, weeds, and birch trees. In summer, they shift to a high-protein diet of insects and spiders to support breeding.

Where is American Tree Sparrow usually found?

Found in open shrubby tundra during the breeding season, and weedy fields, forest edges, and suburban backyards during the winter.