A small pale sparrow of northern grasslands.

Native status: Native to North America

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 12–17 cm (4.7–6.7 in); wingspan 18–24 cm
Weight13–25 g
LifespanWild typically 2–4 years
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyPasserellidae

§ Encyclopedia

The clay-colored sparrow or clay-coloured sparrow is a small New World sparrow of North America.

Source: Wikipedia — Clay-colored sparrow Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Crisp-faced sparrow with a pale central crown stripe, brown ear patch outlined in black, gray nape, and clean buffy-gray unstreaked breast.

Similar species. Brewer's Sparrow is plainer-faced; Chipping Sparrow has a rufous cap and gray rump. The gray nape contrasting with brown back is a good Clay-colored mark.

Voice. An insect-like series of 2–5 low, flat buzzes: 'bzzz...bzzz...bzzz'.

§ Diet & behavior

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

Behavior. Breeds in brushy edges and shrubby grassland of the northern Great Plains; gives an unbirdlike buzzy song. Migrates in flocks to Mexico.

§ Range

Northern Great Plains in summer; winters Mexico

§ Habitat

Brushy edges, grasslands

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the clay-colored sparrow is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support grassland conservation.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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