A small reclusive sparrow of wet sedge meadows. Even more secretive than most sparrows. Distinctive insect-like song.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
LeConte's sparrow, also known as LeConte's bunting, is one of the smallest New World sparrow species in North America.
Source: Wikipedia — LeConte's sparrow Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Bright orange-buff face and breast, gray ear patch, finely streaked sides, white crown stripe, and a streaked 'scaly' nape with purplish tones.
Similar species. Nelson's Sparrow is similar but grayer-naped and a marsh bird; Grasshopper Sparrow is plainer-breasted and buffier overall.
Voice. A thin, insect-like, hissing buzz: 'tik-tzzzzz-tik', easily missed.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Seeds (primary), insects (especially during breeding).
Behavior. An extremely secretive sparrow of wet sedge meadows; runs mouse-like through dense grass and is far more often heard than seen.
§ Range
Central US in summer; winters southern US
§ Habitat
Sedge meadows, wet grasslands
§ Threats
Wetland drainage, sedge meadow loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the le conte's sparrow is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support wetland conservation. Maintain sedge meadows.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — LeConte's sparrow
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Ammospiza leconteii
- IUCN Red List — search for Ammospiza leconteii
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Ammospiza leconteii
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
