American tree sparrow

American tree sparrow with a rusty cap perched among dark berries and red autumn leaves, Manitoba

The American tree sparrow is a small, tidy sparrow with a rusty cap, a rusty line through the eye, two white wing bars, and a bill that is dark above and yellow below. In Manitoba, it is best known as a visitor in autumn and winter.

Despite its name, it nests far to the north near the edge of the tundra and moves south for the cold months. Look for small flocks feeding on weed seeds in fields, along hedgerows, and around berry shrubs like these.

The tidy rusty cap and the small dark spot on the chest make a tree sparrow a cheerful sight on a cold day.

To find out more about the American tree sparrow and the places it lives, visit All About Birds.

Field notes in photographs

  • American tree sparrow with a rusty cap perched among dark berries and red autumn leaves, Manitoba
  • American tree sparrow stretching its wings on a fluffy cattail, Manitoba
  • American tree sparrow foraging on frosty ground
  • American tree sparrow on a cattail, Manitoba

American tree sparrow Manitoba sightings

Where and when you can find the american tree sparrow in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more species in the Manitoba birds section.

Map of Manitoba showing where the american tree sparrow nests and migrates, with major cities and lakes
Where to look for the american tree sparrow in Manitoba through the seasons: nesting in the Hudson Plains and the Southern Arctic (gold) and passing through the Boreal Shield, the Taiga Shield, the Boreal Plains, and the Prairies in spring and fall (lilac). Habitat regions: National Ecological Framework for Canada. Boundaries: Statistics Canada. Lakes: Natural Earth.

Back to Manitoba bird photography, or see the portfolio.

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