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American Tree Sparrow

Spizella arborea ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

American Tree Sparrow Photo

© Isidor Jeklin/CLO

The American Tree Sparrow is a common winter visitor in backyards all across southern Canada and the northern United States. Despite its common name, it forages on the ground, nests on the ground, and breeds primarily above treeline in the far North.

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Appearance

Sparrows
Sparrows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird.
  • Rusty brown crown and eyestripe on gray head.
  • Dark spot in center of unstreaked breast.
  • Two white wingbars.
  • Tail rather long.

Immature Description

Juvenile like adult, but with some streaks on crown, nape, and breast.

Range Map Help

American Tree Sparrow Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Chipping Sparrow smaller, without dark central chest spot, and a black (not rusty) stripe through the eye. Chipping Sparrow has brown crown with faint streaks in winter. Go here for more on distinguishing these two species.
  • Field Sparrow has pink bill, distinct eyering, and lacks spot on chest.
  • Song Sparrow has streaks on chest as well as central spot, and dark mustache marks.
  • Lark Sparrow has bold face pattern and white on outer tail feathers.