Where does the American Tree Sparrow live?
Spizella arborea
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Open the appThe American Tree Sparrow lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Tundra, taiga, boreal forest edges, open woodlands, shrublands, agricultural fields, grasslands, and suburban areas.
Geographic range
Breeds in Arctic and subarctic North America, including Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. Winters across southern Canada and most of the contiguous United States, south to northern Mexico.
Preferred environments
During breeding, prefers open tundra with dwarf shrubs, willow thickets, and stunted conifers. In winter, favors open fields with scattered shrubs, weedy edges, hedgerows, forest clearings, and suburban gardens, often near water sources.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), though can occur higher in some areas.
Where to look
Wintering Grounds
During winter, look in open fields, weedy areas, shrubby edges of forests, agricultural fields, and suburban backyards with feeders.
Breeding Grounds
In summer, they are found in the Arctic and subarctic tundra and boreal forest edges, often near willow thickets and stunted conifers.
Migration Routes
During spring and fall migration, they can be found in a wider variety of habitats, including parks, gardens, and open woodlands, as they move between breeding and wintering areas.
Field tips
- Look for ground foragers. American Tree Sparrows spend a lot of time on the ground, scratching for seeds. Watch for movement in low vegetation.
- Check feeders. In winter, they are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially those offering millet or black oil sunflower seeds.
- Listen for calls. Their distinctive 'tseet' call is often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are in flocks.
- Observe flock behavior. They often associate with Dark-eyed Juncos and other sparrows in winter. Look for their unique field marks within these mixed flocks.
- Patience in shrubby areas. They can be quite secretive in dense shrubs, so patience and careful observation are key.
Migration
Long-distance migrant. Breeds in the far north and migrates south for the winter, covering thousands of kilometers. Migration occurs in flocks, primarily at night.
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