American Tree Sparrow
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Common Name:
American Tree Sparrow
Class:
Aves
Order:
Passeriformes
Family:
Emberizidae
Genus:
Spizella
Species:
Spizella arborea
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TAXONOMY
The American Tree Sparrow is part of the
New World Sparrow family Emberizidae that includes well
known birds like the Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow,
and Field Sparrow.
Distinguishing characteristics for this
bird includes a clear chest with a single spot. They
also have a light grey head with a rufous or red-brown
colored crown and eyeline as well as a rufous shoulder.
On the American Tree Sparrow's wings there are two white
wing bars. All of these characteristics together help
identify this sparrow from others though it is still
difficult to tell some of the sparrow species apart
without much practice.
HABITAT/DIET
During the breeding season American Tree Sparrows are
found in the northern most parts of Canada near the tree line of the
boreal forests where there are many open areas that contain shrubs
and small trees. By October the American Tree Sparrow has finished
migrating into their wintering grounds which includes much of the
northern half of the United States. Here they are found in
fields, marshes and open forests. Additionally, they are also seen
at feeders in residential areas.
During both the summer and the winter they eat a mix
of both plant and animal matter. Mostly they consume seeds and
berries from a variety of plants and they will supplement this with
a mix of different insects and insect eggs.
Territory for the American Tree Sparrow is mostly
maintained by the male through bouts of singing, usually from the
top of a small tree in a cleared area. Fights rarely occur but if
they do it usually is to maintain dominance in a wintering flock.
BEHAVIOR
Mating starts to occur in late June after the male
and female have pair bonded. The American Tree Sparrow has a
monogamous mating system so only one male and one female are usually
found in a territory. The female builds the nest and incubates the
egg while the male visits the nest occasionally during this time.
After the eggs have hatched the female will continue to brood the
young and will take turns with the male to feed the young. The
young birds will stay in the nest for 8 to 10 days and will fledge
while still not being able to fly so their parents will continue to
watch over them for a time.
WHERE TO FIND THEM
American Tree Sparrows are only found in Western New
York during the winter. These birds are found virtually all over
Western New York and can be found fairly regularly around bird
feeders and open fields during their stay here.
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