Spizella arborea

A medium-sized (6-6 ½ inches) bunting, the American Tree Sparrow is most easily identified by its mottled brown back, gray face and neck, small dark breast spot, and rusty red crown. This species may be distinguished from the similarly-patterned Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) by that species’ smaller size and conspicuous white eye-stripes. Male and female American Tree Sparrows are similar to one another in all seasons. The American Tree Sparrow breeds across Alaska and northern Canada. In winter, this species migrates south to southern Canada and the northern half of the United States. This species is absent from much of the southern United States and the U.S.Pacific coast. American Tree Sparrows breed primarily breed on sparsely vegetated tundra near the treeline. In winter, this species is found in a wider variety of habitats, including woodland, meadows, and suburban yards. American Tree Sparrows primarily eat a variety of fruits, berries, seeds, and small invertebrates. In appropriate habitat, American Tree Sparrows may be seen feeding on the ground or in the branches of low trees and shrubs. Birdwatchers may also listen for this species’ call, a squeaky “tseet” or “teelwit. ” American Tree Sparrows are primarily active during the day.

Threat Status: Least concern

American tree sparrows (Spizella_arborea) breed throughout almost all of Alaska, the Yukon and Northwest territories, the very north of Manitoba and Ontario, all of Labrador, and in northern Quebec. Their winter range includes a very small part of southern Canada and all of the United States except for the western most 250 miles, the southern most 450 miles and all of Florida.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

American tree sparrows (Spizella arborea) breed throughout almost all of Alaska, the Yukon and Northwest territories, the very north of Manitoba and Ontario, all of Labrador, and in northern Quebec. Their winter range includes a very small part of southern Canada and all of the United States except for the western most 250 miles, the southern most 450 miles and all of Florida.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: BREEDING: Alaska and across central Canada, from northern Yukon and Mackenzie east to Labrador. NON-BREEDING: south-coastal and southeastern Alaska (rarely), southern Canada south to northern California, central Nevada, northern and east-central Arizona, central and southeastern New Mexico, northern Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina (casually farther south) (AOU 1983).

American tree sparrows are small, grayish-brown birds. They have a rusty-colored crown and a rusty-colored line behind each eye. They have a grey head, chin, throat, breast and belly and a rusty patch on each side of their breast. They also have a dark spot in the middle of their breast. Their tails are long, with a notch in the middle. Their beaks are dark on top and yellow on the bottom. Males and females look about the same. Young American tree sparrows look similar to adults, but have streaking on their sides and their breast.

Adult American tree sparrows weigh 18 to 26 g, and are 14 to 16.5 cm long. Their wingspans range from 21.6 to 24.8 cm.

Range mass: 18 to 26 g.

Range length: 14 to 16.5 cm.

Range wingspan: 21.6 to 24.8 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry ; polymorphic

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

American tree sparrows are small, grayish-brown birds with a rufous crown and eyeline, a dark spot on the breast, a long notched tail, a dark upper mandible and a yellow lower mandible. They have a grey head, chin, throat, breast and underparts and a rufous patch on the sides of their breast. Males and females are similar in appearance. Juveniles are similar to adults, but have streaking on their sides and breast.

Adult American tree sparrows weigh 18 to 26 g, and are 14 to 16.5 cm in length. Their wingspans range from 21.6 to 24.8 cm.

There are two recognized subspecies of Spizella americana. The western subspecies, Spizella americana ochraceae is paler and slightly larger than the eastern subspecies, Spizella americana arborea.

Range mass: 18 to 26 g.

Range length: 14 to 16.5 cm.

Range wingspan: 21.6 to 24.8 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry ; polymorphic

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

Length: 16 cm

Weight: 20 grams

American tree sparrows usually breed near the tree line in open scrubby areas with willows, birches, alder thickets or stunted spruce. They may also breed in open tundra with scattered shrubs, often near lakes or bogs. They spend the winter in open forests, gardens, fields, and marshes.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; polar ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: tundra ; taiga ; forest ; scrub forest

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds

Wetlands: marsh ; bog

Other Habitat Features: suburban ; agricultural ; riparian

Systems

• Terrestrial
• Freshwater

The breeding habitat of American tree sparrows is typically near the tree line in open scrubby areas with willows, birches, alder thickets or stunted spruce. They may also breed in open tundra with scattered shrubs, often near lakes or bogs. They winter in open forests, gardens, fields, and marshes.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; polar ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: tundra ; taiga ; forest ; scrub forest

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds

Wetlands: marsh ; bog

Other Habitat Features: suburban ; agricultural ; riparian

Comments: Open willow, low shrubbery, scrub conifers, and bogs; in migration and winter also weedy fields, fencerows, thickets, brushy areas and gardens (AOU 1983). BREEDING: Breeds at edge of tundra, in shrubby areas, along streams, in bogs. Nests on or near the ground, in small trees or shrubs, grass tussocks, etc.

Non-Migrant: No. All populations of this species make significant seasonal migrations.

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

Migrates northward in flocks through U.S. in March-April (Terres 1980); arrives in breeding areas in northern Alaska and northwestern Canada late May-early June, departs by mid-September (Johnson and Herter 1989).

American tree sparrows are omnivorous; they eat many different seeds, berries and insects. During the winter, American tree sparrows mainly eat grass and weed seeds. During the summer, they mostly eat insects and spiders.

American tree sparrows search for food among plants on the ground and the branches and twigs of shrubs and trees. In Massachusetts, they are often seen in flocks, feeding at bird feeders. American tree sparrows need to drink a lot of water each day. During the winter, they eat snow in order to get enough water.

Animal Foods: insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods

Plant Foods: seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit

American tree sparrows are omnivorous; they eat a wide variety of seeds, berries and insects. During the winter, American tree sparrows mainly eat grass and weed seeds. During the summer, they primarily eat insects and spiders.

American tree sparrows forage among vegetation on the ground and along the branches and twigs of shrubs and trees. In Massachusetts, they are frequently seen in flocks that seem to roam from bird feeder to bird feeder. American tree sparrows drink about 30% of their body weight in water each day. During the winter, they obtain water by eating snow.

Animal Foods: insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods

Plant Foods: seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit

Primary Diet: omnivore

Comments: Feeds primarily on seeds, but also eats some insects. Forages on the ground.

American tree sparrows are important members of the food chain. They eat many weed seeds and insects and spiders, and they are an important food source for their predators.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds

Known predators of American tree sparrows include northern goshawks (Accipiter_gentilis), sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter_striatus), screech owls (genus Otus), pygmy owls (genus Glaucidium), Cooper's hawks (Accipiter_cooperii), American kestrels (Falco_sparverius), weasels (family Mustelidae), foxes (family Canidae) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus_hudsonicus).

When approached by humans, American tree sparrows give a rapid series of "tset" calls. It is unknown how American tree sparrows respond to other potential predators.

Known Predators:

• northern goshawks (Accipiter_gentilis)
• sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter_striatus)
• screech owls (Otus)
• pygmy owls (Glaucidium)
• Cooper's hawks (Accipiter_cooperii)
• American kestrels (Falco_sparverius)
• weasels (Mustelidae)
• foxes (Canidae)
• red squirrels (Tamiasciurus_hudsonicus)

American tree sparrows play an important role in their local communities. They eat many seeds, insects and spiders and are an important food source for their predators.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds

Known predators of American tree sparrows include northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus), screech owls (genus Otus), pygmy owls (genus Glaucidium), Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii), American kestrels (Falco sparverius), weasels (family Mustelidae), foxes (family Canidae) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus).

When approached by humans, American tree sparrows give a rapid series of "tset" calls. It is unknown how American tree sparrows respond to other potential predators.

Known Predators:

• northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis)
• sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus)
• screech owls (Otus)
• pygmy owls (Glaucidium)
• Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii)
• American kestrels (Falco sparverius)
• weasels (Mustelidae)
• foxes (Canidae)
• red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

During winter often seen in groups of 4-8 birds.

American tree sparrows communicate using sounds and body signals. Only male American tree sparrows sing, and each male sings only one song. Their songs are high, thin whistles and last 1 to 2 seconds. They are used to defend a territory and to attract a mate. Both males and females use calls to communicate. Each call seems to mean something different. Chicks also use calls to express hunger, discomfort, and fear.

Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic

American tree sparrows communicate using sounds and physical displays (see Mating Systems section for examples). Only male American tree sparrows sing, though both sexes use calls. The songs of American tree sparrows are composed of high, thin whistles and last 1 to 2 seconds. They are used primarily in territorial defense and to attract mates. Each male sings only one song. Both males and females use calls, which appear to be associated with particular behaviors such as feeding or alarm. Chicks use calls to express hunger, discomfort, and fear beginning at 5, 6, and 8 days old, respectively.

Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic

Baumgartner (1938) followed birds for the first 22 days of development. Order of hatching was not dependent on the order of laying. Earlier hatched birds took the lead in development. During the nine and one-half days in the nest, the four feather tracts of the birds (dorsal, ventral, alar, caudal) go from completely bare to the back covered, lower belly slightly bare, wings 2/3 grown, and tail still a stub, and the birds grow from 1.62 gm to 16.7 gm, while their length goes from 33 mm to 75 mm during the same period. They lose 1.5 gm the first day out of the egg but have gained 3 gm by day 21 (Baumgartner, 1968). On the second day after hatching the young were able to stretch for food. On the fourth day their eyes were half open, after the fifth day, wide open. The first sounds were made on the fifth day but were very soft. Fear was acquired between 7.5 and 8 days as demonstrated by their raucous calls when touched by humans.

During the first 12 days of the fledgling period (which lasts until about a month after leaving the nest in Spizella arborea) the birds showed a steady increase in both tail length (14-47mm) and wing length (46-68mm). At the end of the first 21 days the wings were still slightly shorter and the tails about 2/3 the length of mature birds. A tree sparrow was observed to fly 30 or 40 ft fifteen days after hatching, and a little before one month after hatching, the birds could fly all around their territory (Baumgartner, 1938).

Baumgartner (1938) followed birds for the first 22 days of development. Order of hatching was not dependent on the order of laying. Earlier hatched birds took the lead in development. During the nine and one-half days in the nest, the four feather tracts of the birds (dorsal, ventral, alar, caudal) go from completely bare to the back covered, lower belly slightly bare, wings 2/3 grown, and tail still a stub, and the birds grow from 1.62 gm to 16.7 gm, while their length goes from 33 mm to 75 mm during the same period. They lose 1.5 gm the first day out of the egg but have gained 3 gm by day 21 (Baumgartner, 1968). On the second day after hatching the young were able to stretch for food. On the fourth day their eyes were half open, after the fifth day, wide open. The first sounds were made on the fifth day but were very soft. Fear was acquired between 7.5 and 8 days as demonstrated by their raucous calls when touched by humans.

During the first 12 days of the fledgling period (which lasts until about a month after leaving the nest in Spizella arborea) the birds showed a steady increase in both tail length (14-47mm) and wing length (46-68mm). At the end of the first 21 days the wings were still slightly shorter and the tails about 2/3 the length of mature birds. A tree sparrow was observed to fly 30 or 40 ft fifteen days after hatching, and a little before one month after hatching, the birds could fly all around their territory (Baumgartner, 1938).

The oldest known American tree sparrow lived at least 10 years and 9 months. Most American tree sparrows probably live about 2.3 to 3.4 years.

Range lifespan
Status: wild: 10.75 (high) years.

Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 2.3 to 3.4 years.

The oldest known American tree sparrow lived at least 10 years and 9 months. The average life expectancy for American tree sparrows is 2.3 to 3.4 years.

Range lifespan
Status: wild: 10.75 (high) years.

Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 2.3 to 3.4 years.

Maximum longevity: 10.8 years (wild)

American tree sparrows are monogamous (one male mates with one female). Males and females form breeding pairs after they arrive at the breeding sites in the spring. Both males and female sing to attract a mate. Females become excited when males come to sing nearby. They call back to the male, making a "wehy" sound. Males may show off for females by spreading their wings and fluttering them or darting to the ground in front of the female, then flying back up to a perch.

Mating System: monogamous

American tree sparrows breed between May and September. They raise one brood of chicks each year. The females builds the nest alone. The nests are built on the ground out of moss, grasses, bark and twigs. They are lined with fine grass and feathers.

The female then lays about 5 eggs. She lays one egg each day. She incubates the eggs for 10 to 14 days and broods the chicks after they hatch. The chicks are altricial (helpless) when they hatch, so they rely on the female to protect them and keep them warm. Both parents feed the chicks until 2 to 3 weeks after the chicks leave the nest (called fledging). The young fledge from the nest about 9 days after hatching. In late summer, the families join larger flocks. We do not know when young American tree sparrows begin breeding.

Breeding interval: American tree sparrows breed once per year.

Breeding season: American tree sparrows breed between May and August.

Range eggs per season: 4 to 6.

Range time to hatching: 10 to 14 days.

Range fledging age: 8 to 10 days.

Range time to independence: 2 to 3 weeks.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)

Average eggs per season: 4.

Females incubate the eggs and brood the chicks after they hatch. Both parents feed the chicks until they are about 22 days old.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Male, Female)

American tree sparrows are monogamous. Breeding pairs form after arrival on the breeding grounds, around mid-June. Singing is used by both sexes to show their interest in one another. The female becomes excited when a male comes to sing nearby and she utters a "wehy" sound. This serves to attract the male to her. The male may also spread his wings and flutter, dart to the ground in front of the female, then fly back to his perch, and repeat this process several times. Sometimes breeding occurs without any display during feeding or at the nest. Breeding has been observed during nest building and on the day before an egg is laid. The duration of pair bonds is unknown.

Mating System: monogamous

American tree sparrows breed between May and September and raise only one brood per season. The females builds the nest alone. Nests are built on the ground, and are constructed of moss, grasses, bark and twigs and lined with fine grass and feathers. Nest construction takes about 7 days. The female then lays 4 to 6 (average 5) eggs at a rate of one per day. She incubates the eggs for 10 to 14 days and broods the altricial chicks after hatching. Both parents feed the young until they fledge from the nest and for 2 to 3 weeks afterward. The young fledge from the nest 8 to 10 (average 9) days after hatching. In late summer, families join larger flocks. The age at which American tree sparrows begin breeding is unknown.

Breeding interval: American tree sparrows breed once per year.

Breeding season: American tree sparrows breed between May and August.

Range eggs per season: 4 to 6.

Range time to hatching: 10 to 14 days.

Range fledging age: 8 to 10 days.

Range time to independence: 2 to 3 weeks.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)

Average eggs per season: 4.

Females incubate the eggs and brood the altricial chicks when they first hatch. After a few days, the females spend more time feeding the young and less time brooding. Males also help feed the young. One male sparrow was observed leading a chick out of the nest by offering it food. Feeding by the parents ends when the chicks are about 22 days old.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Provisioning: Male, Female)

Eggs laid May-July (begins nesting in mid-June in northern Alaska and northwestern Canada). Clutch size 3-5, sometimes 6. Incubation 12-13 days (Terres 1980). Young tended by both adults, usually leave nest 9-10 days after hatching, unable to fly for 5-6 more days.

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species.

There are 19 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.  Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.

Download FASTA File

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 19
Specimens with Barcodes: 19
Species With Barcodes: 1

American tree sparrows are abundant and widespread. There are approximately 26,000,000 American tree sparrows throughout their range. American tree sparrows are protected by the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but have no special status under the U.S. Endangered Species ACT or CITES.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

US Migratory Bird Act: protected

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Contributor/s

Justification

History

• 2008
  Least Concern
• 2004
  Least Concern

American tree sparrows are abundant and widespread. There are approximately 26,000,000 American tree sparrows throughout their range. American tree sparrows are protected by the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but have no special status under the U.S. Endangered Species ACT or CITES.

US Migratory Bird Act: protected

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N5B,N5N : N5B: Secure - Breeding, N5N: Secure - Nonbreeding

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5B,N5N : N5B: Secure - Breeding, N5N: Secure - Nonbreeding

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

We do not know of any way the American tree sparrows harm humans.

American tree sparrows may help farmers by removing weed seeds from their fields.

There are no known adverse effects of American tree sparrows on humans.

American tree sparrows may benefit farmers by removing weed seeds from their fields. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated in 1937 that sparrows, American tree sparrows included, saved farmers $90,000,000 per year by removing weed seeds.