Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrows are small, active birds with a rusty crown and crisp gray chest. They are common summer visitors and enjoy feeding on small seeds scattered on the ground or offered in low platform feeders.

Chipping Sparrows are small, delicate feeders that gravitate toward nyjer, fine millet, and tiny seeds. They forage in short grass and along garden paths, often in the company of other sparrows. During nesting season they switch heavily to insects, but through fall and winter they're reliable visitors to any feeder offering fine seeds.

A low tube feeder with small perches or a ground tray near open lawn works well for Chipping Sparrows. They're comfortable feeding both on the ground and at low-mounted feeders. Placing a finch-style feeder near a garden edge gives them the open sightlines they prefer while keeping the seed clean.

Chipping Sparrows prefer more open, manicured habitat than most sparrows — they're comfortable on short lawns, garden paths, and near flower beds. They nest in dense conifers (arborvitae, spruce, and juniper are favourites), often at eye height. Planting a small cluster of dense evergreens near an open lawn area creates the perfect nesting and foraging combination. A birdbath on open ground where they can see approaching predators is a strong additional draw.