Popular North American Wild Birds – Sparrow

Sparrow

Song Sparrow – Melospiza melodia

White-crowned Sparrow – Zonotrichia leucophrys

White-throated Sparrow – Zonotrichia albicollis

Habitat

Sparrows can be found in dense shrubs at the edge of open areas such as fields, backyard lawns, parkland, woodlots, forest openings, along streams in suburban areas, farmland, and weedy patches along the woods.

Feeding Habits in the Wild

Sparrows forage on the ground, eating insects, seeds, and some fruit and grain spills. They obtain food by scratching away soil or snow, but in the fall may take to the trees in search of fruit and insects.

Preferred Feeder Types

Seeds scattered on Ground with Nearby Bushy Areas, Hanging Feeders, and Platform Feeders

Species Facts

Almost 90% of the Sparrow winter diet is weed seeds, but only 60% of summer diet is plants and seeds. Sparrows will eat fresh buds in the Spring. Most Sparrows spend their summers breeding in Canada, but some are seen in the U.S. during this time.

Preferred Food at the Feeder

White Millet, Oil Sunflower, Sunflower Hearts and Chips, Red Millet, Safflower Seeds, Nyjer (Thistle Seed), Canary Seed, Cracked Corn, Roasted Peanut Chips, Hemp, Dried Fruits, Nuts, and Suet.