Field Sparrow

§ Quick facts

§ Encyclopedia

The field sparrow is a small New World sparrow in the family Passerellidae. It is about 140 mm (6 in) long and weighs about 12.5 g (0.4 oz). The head is grey with a rust-coloured crown, white eye-ring and pink bill. The upper parts are brown streaked with black and buff, the breast is buff, the belly is white and the tail is forked. There are two different colour morphs, one being greyer and the other more rufous.

Source: Wikipedia — Field sparrow · Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small sparrow with a plain rusty-gray face, bold white eye ring, bright pink bill, rusty cap, and unstreaked buffy breast.

Similar species. American Tree Sparrow has a dark central breast spot and bicolored bill; Chipping Sparrow has a black eye line and dark bill. The pink bill and blank face are key.

Voice. A series of clear, sweet whistles that accelerate into a trill — like a bouncing ball coming to rest.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Seeds (primary), insects (especially during breeding).

Behavior. A bird of overgrown fields and brushy edges; its accelerating 'bouncing-ball' song is a classic sound of old farmland. Forages on the ground for seeds and insects.

§ Range

Eastern and central US year-round

§ Habitat

Old fields, brushy pastures, hedgerows

§ Threats

Loss of brushy old fields to row crops or suburban development, lawn-centric yards.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the field sparrow is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain field corners with brushy regrowth. Don't mow until late July. Skip pesticides.

§ Further reading

• Wikipedia — Field sparrow
• www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Spizella pusilla
• IUCN Red List — search for Spizella pusilla
• GBIF occurrence records
• Encyclopedia of Life — Spizella pusilla

§ Sources cited

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
• National Audubon Society
• iNaturalist
• IUCN Red List