Bird Guide

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

Least Concern

About the American Tree Sparrow

The American tree sparrow, also known as the winter sparrow, is a medium-sized New World sparrow. It breeds in Alaska and Northern Canada and winters in Southern Canada and the Contiguous United States. It is the only member of the genus Spizelloides.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The bird's measurements are as follows: Length: 5.5 in (14 cm) Weight: 0.5–1.0 oz (13–28 g) Wingspan: 9.4 in (24 cm) Adults have a rusty cap and grey underparts with a small dark spot on the breast. They have a rusty back with lighter stripes, brown wings with white bars and a slim tail. Their face is grey with a rusty line through the eye. Their flanks are splashed with light brown. They are similar in appearance to the chipping sparrow. Voice: This bird's song is a sweet high warble descending in pitch and becoming buzzy near the finish.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the American Tree Sparrow sounds like

Recording: Doug Hynes · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the American Tree Sparrow lives

Regular range

When to see the American Tree Sparrow

Peak activity in January · a winter visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: American Tree Sparrow vs California Towhee · American Tree Sparrow vs Lincoln's Sparrow · American Tree Sparrow vs Fox Sparrow

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