What does the American Tree Sparrow eat?

The American Tree Sparrow's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore, primarily granivorous in winter, insectivorous in summer.

How it forages

Primarily forages on the ground, scratching with its feet to uncover seeds and insects. Also gleans seeds from low vegetation and occasionally catches insects in flight. In winter, seeds of grasses, sedges, and weeds (e.g., ragweed, pigweed) are crucial. In summer, insects (beetles, caterpillars, flies) and spiders form a significant part of the diet, especially for nestlings.

When it feeds

Diurnal.

Explore the American Tree Sparrow