White-throated Sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow is a gentle ground-feeding bird commonly seen scratching beneath feeders for fallen seeds. Its bright yellow eyebrow and clear whistling song make it a favourite winter visitor in many backyards.

Famous for their sweet 'Oh Sweet Canada' whistle, White-throated Sparrows are ground-scratching seed eaters that love white millet, cracked corn, and mixed blends. They kick backwards through leaves and debris with both feet at once to uncover fallen seeds. They're winter regulars across most of southern Canada and thrive on the same foods as juncos.

White-throated Sparrows want seed on or near the ground, ideally close to brushy cover. A low platform feeder or ground tray placed at the edge of a garden bed or near a brush pile is perfect. They'll readily clean up spilled seed beneath hanging feeders too, making them excellent companions to your tube-feeder setup.

White-throated Sparrows want the same brushy, leafy ground habitat as juncos and other ground sparrows. Dense shrub borders, brush piles, and undisturbed leaf litter beneath trees are the essentials. Planting native understory shrubs like serviceberry, dogwood, or viburnum creates multi-layered habitat that provides both food (berries) and cover. A yard that feels a little wild around the edges — not manicured to the last inch — is exactly what White-throated Sparrows are looking for.