A small sparrow with distinctive black-and-white face pattern.

Also called: Desert Sparrow

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 black-throated sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is found in Mexico and the United States.

Source: Wikipedia — Black-throated sparrow Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Crisp gray-and-brown sparrow with a jet-black throat and breast, bold white face stripes (above and below the eye), and a white belly.

Similar species. Sagebrush and Bell's sparrows are plainer-faced and lack the black throat; juveniles can lack the black throat but keep the white face stripes.

Voice. A tinkling, metallic song of sweet notes and trills: 'cheet-cheet-churrrr'.

§ Diet & behavior

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

Behavior. A tame desert sparrow of creosote flats and rocky slopes; gets most of its water from food and can go long periods without drinking. Forages on the ground and low shrubs.

§ Range

Southwestern US deserts

§ Habitat

Desert thornscrub

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support southwestern desert conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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