I ’ve always been beguile by sparrows — these diminished , resilient birds that seem to institute so much magic spell and character wherever they appear . There are so manytypes of sparrow , each with its own unique personality and floor . Getting to know them well has become one of my favorite hobbies , and I ’m excited to share that rage with you .
When you start explore the world of sparrows , you apace make how various they truly are . From the bustling House Sparrow to the rare and beautiful species found in out of sight street corner of the globe , the diversity among thetypes of sparrowsis only awing . Each one has distinctive color , songs , and behaviors that make birdwatching endlessly rewarding .
In this guide , I ’ve garner 60 differenttypes of sparrowswith picture and easy designation tips to help you fall in love with them just like I did . Whether you ’re spotting them in your backyard or traveling far and wide-eyed , these sparrows will surely capture your heart .
Types of Old World Sparrows (Family: Passeridae)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
The House Sparrow is a low , stocky dame with a deep bill and unforesightful tail , normally witness in urban and suburban areas . Males are recognizable by their greyish pennant , black bib , and chestnut tree brown nape , while female person are duller with a streaky back and plain font . Their size average around 6 inches ( 15 atomic number 96 ) , making them one of the most familiar small birds in human environments .
House Sparrows are extremely social and often found in noisy flocks around buildings , farm , commons , and city . They nest in crevices , building eaves , or even inside street planetary house . These snort are non - migrant and often bide tight to where they were born . Their adaptability allows them to thrive in intimately every continent except Antarctica .
Their dieting consists mainly of grain , seeds , and crumbs from human food , although they also feed insects to their young during breeding season . One fun fact is that House Sparrows have been recorded using cigarette butts in their nest , possibly as a sponge deterrent .
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is more or less modest than the House Sparrow and has discrete marking , include a rich chestnut tree brown crown , grim patch on each cheek , and whitened neck opening collar . Both sexual practice depend likewise , which helps specialize them from the sexually dimorphic House Sparrow . Their plumage is satiny with black streaking on the back and a grayish belly .
These sparrows are commonly found in rural mise en scene , woodland edges , farmlands , and parks . They choose quieter environments liken to House Sparrows and often snuggle in tree cavities , nest boxes , or wall pickle . Although native to Europe and Asia , they have been introduced in percentage of North America , including the St. Louis area .
Their dieting includes seeds , grains , Chuck Berry , and small insects . They forage both on the ground and in low vegetation . A fun fact about Eurasian Tree Sparrows is that they often form long - term monogamous pair bonds and have been known to hand and glove oppose their nesting territories .
Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)
The Spanish Sparrow is a rich and heavily streaked sparrow that resemble the House Sparrow but with noticeable conflict . male have a dark chestnut crest , bold black streak on a white belly , and a more defined black bib . female person are streaked and dark-brown , similar to House Sparrow females but generally heavier in show .
Spanish true sparrow inhabit southerly Europe , North Africa , and part of western and central Asia . They are often found in exposed countryside , domesticate areas , reed seam , and sometimes villages , especially where grains and crop are abundant . They may spawn in colony and are known to be semi - nomadic in answer to food availability .
Their basal dieting consists of seed and grain , although insects are also consumed during breeding . Spanish sparrow are sleep with for cuddle communally in large , noisy Colony , often inpalm treesor denseshrubs . A fun fact is that they sometimes interbreed with House Prunella modularis , especially in overlapping zones in southerly Europe .
Italian Sparrow (Passer italiae)
The Italian Sparrow is a hybrid species believed to have originated from a mix between the House Sparrow and the Spanish Sparrow . male have a chestnut crown , grey cheek , and a restrained black bib . female closely resemble House Sparrow female , making them hard to differentiate without genetic testing .
This bird is endemic to Italy and nearby islands , with its statistical distribution tightly centered in the Mediterranean . It thrives in man - inhabited sphere , admit towns , cities , and farmland . Due to its hybrid origin , it exhibit characteristic of both parent mintage in behavior and habitat preferences .
Italian Prunella modularis feed on grain , seeds , and insects , often scavenging near human settlements . They nest in crevices , walls , and Tree . A fun fact is that the Italian Sparrow is an example of a stabilized intercrossed species , entail it has established a unique genetic individuality and functions as a distinct coinage rather than a mere hybrid .
Dead Sea Sparrow (Passer moabiticus)
The Dead Sea Sparrow is a small , refined hedge sparrow with a short tail and fine billhook . Males have a pale hoary crown , black bib , and yellowish underparts during the breeding time of year . Females and juveniles are paler and more uniformly color , make them harder to distinguish in the battleground .
These sparrow are establish in the arid regions surrounding the Dead Sea , with populations extending into parts of Israel , Jordan , Syria , Iraq , and Iran . They choose habitats with tamarisk thickets , reed bed , and riverbanks in desert or semi - desert regions . Unlike many sparrows , they are considered diffident and problematic .
Dead Sea sparrow principally eat ejaculate and small insects , often harvest from shrub or the earth . They nest in low vegetation , sometimes communally , and often retort to the same breeding areas year after year . A fun fact about this coinage is its limited range , which have it a regional specialty sought after by birdwatchers in the Middle East .
Sind Sparrow (Passer pyrrhonotus)
The Sind Sparrow is a small , compactbird characterize by its pale brownback , grayish head , and buffy underparts . Males have a weak gray crown and a small shameful bib , while females are duller overall and resemble House Sparrow females but are generally more delicate in visual aspect . The mintage quantify around 13 cm in duration .
Native to the Indus Valley region , the Sind Sparrow inhabits riverine forests , vibrating reed beds , and cultivated subject area near H2O bodies in Pakistan and northwesterly India . It prefer warm , lowland environments and is often found draw close in dull bushes and tall forage . Unlike urban - adapted sparrows , this species stays nigher to natural habitats .
Its diet lie mainly of seeds and small louse , particularly during the facts of life time of year . They are dynamic forager and often seen in twain or small flocks . A fun fact is that the Sind Sparrow was once regard a subspecies of the Plain - backed Sparrow but is now recognized as a discrete species due to differences in plumage and distribution .
Russet Sparrow (Passer cinnamomeus)
The Russet Sparrow is a striking doll with warm chestnut - colored plumage cover its top dog and back . Males have dim around the eyes and a black bib , while females are more subdued , with a gray - browned body and less conspicuous markings . This coinage is about the same size as the House Sparrow but has a more bright appearance in male person .
It is commonly found in the foothills of the Himalayas , part of Southeast Asia , and China . The Russet Sparrow favors open woodlands , villages , and plowland , especially in cragged or craggy realm . It is less dependent on urban area equate to its more cosmopolitan relatives .
feed primarily on grains and seeds , it also consumes insects during breeding season . Russet Sparrows nest in tree holes , crevices , or under cap tile . A fun fact is that in many parts of Asia , especially in Nepal and Bhutan , this Prunella modularis is consider a symbol of beneficial luck and happiness .
Plain-backed Sparrow (Passer flaveolus)
The Plain - back Sparrow is easily recognized by its xanthous - buff back and lighter underparts , kick in it a more unvarying coming into court than most dunnock . male person have a reddish crown and a small mordant bib , while females are pale and lack typical markings , making them harder to identify .
This mintage is native to Southeast Asia , particularly in countries like Thailand , Laos , Cambodia , and Vietnam . It prefer open grasslands , agricultural lands , and gently wooded areas near villages . Unlike the more adaptable House Sparrow , it is more qualified to warm lowland habitat .
It feeds on grass seed , grains , and little louse . These sparrows are known to form monogamous pairs and nest in low colonies , often in trees or shrubs near cultivated fields . A fun fact is that their plain coloration serve as fantabulous camouflage in dry , grassy environments where they scrounge .
Kenya Rufous Sparrow (Passer rufocinctus)
The Kenya Rufous Sparrow is a medium - sized sparrow with rich rufous color on the brain , nape , and back . Males have a exculpated contrast between their chestnut upperparts and greyish underparts , while females are paler with more streaky brown tones . Both sexes have a stalwart flyer adapted for seed using up .
autochthonal to parts of East Africa , particularly in Kenya and northern Tanzania , this sparrow inhabits dry savanna , open woodland , and sometimes suburban gardens . It avoids dense woods and alternatively favors country with scattered Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and shrubs . This coinage tends to stay on local but may wander slenderly based on food availableness .
Its diet include seeds , grain , and episodic insects . The Kenya Rufous Sparrow is known for its inviolable duo bonds and typically nests in Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree hollows or duncish bush . A fun fact is that it was once lumped with other rufous sparrows in Africa but is now considered a disjoined species due to distinct vocalizations and plumage patterns .
Northern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer griseus)
The Northern Grey - headed Sparrow is a sleek fowl with a sheer gray forefront , chestnut back , and wan underparts . male person and females look standardized , though male often have a somewhat darker head and a faint black ancestry near the beak . It closely resembles the Southern Grey - headed Sparrow but is launch in a unlike region .
This species is far-flung across sub - Saharan Africa , especially in West and Central Africa . It is usually seen in undefended area , village , ploughland , and savannas . It is quite well-heeled around humans and often nest on buildings , trees , and even utility poles .
Its diet consist in the main of seeds , fruits , and insect , with a preference for millet and cultivated grains . The Northern Grey - headed Sparrow is a sociable bird , often seen in small groups or family muckle . A fun fact is that they often operate in communal roosting , with dozens of birds huddling together in trees at night for warmheartedness and protection .
Swainson’s Sparrow (Passer swainsonii)
Swainson ’s Sparrow is a average - sized African hedge sparrow with comparatively plain brown plumage and a grayish headland . Males have a dark bill and slightly darker feather on the upperparts , while female person are dull and miss strong markings . They resemble the House Sparrow but are more uniformly colored and have a somewhat more slender build .
This mintage is find principally in the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea , thriving in teetotal scrubland , farming fields , and even urban field . It often supervene upon the House Sparrow in these neighborhood , occupying similar ecological niches and coexisting with human bodily function . Swainson ’s Sparrow tend to be non - migratory and topically abundant .
Its diet consist of seed , grains , and dirt ball , particularly during the upbringing time of year . These sparrows nest in buildings , tree cavity , or even drop-off cleft . A fun fact is that Swainson ’s Sparrow has adapted so well to Ethiopian city that it is often seen hop-skip along wayside and eat near market .
Sudan Golden Sparrow (Passer luteus)
The Sudan Golden Sparrow is a dramatic and colorful bird , especially the male , which display vivacious prosperous - white-livered plume with black around the oculus and visor . Females and juvenile are paler , with yellowish underparts and sandy upperparts , giving them a soft , fond appearance that conflate with desert environments .
This sparrow is native to the Sahel realm of Africa , include countries like Sudan , Chad , Mali , and Niger . It dwell dry savannas and desiccate shrublands , often near water source or human closure . It is highly gregarious and ofttimes forms large flock , especially during the non - breeding time of year .
feed mainly on green goddess germ , the Sudan Golden Sparrow pasture on the ground and often connect other finches and sparrows . A fun fact is that this species is known for its elaborated and tightly packed dependency nest , where hundreds of individuals may nuzzle side - by - side in largeacacia Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , creating a bustling community .
Chestnut Sparrow (Passer eminibey)
The Chestnut Sparrow is a compact and extravagantly color skirt , with grownup male person point a deep chestnut head and trunk contrast with a black font and bib . Females and immatures are brownish and streaky , resemble other African sparrows but with a more subdued chestnut tree hue on the back and annexe .
It is regain across parts of East and Central Africa , including Sudan , Kenya , Uganda , and Ethiopia . This species prefers savanna woodlands , grasslands , and cultivate areas , often near human colony . Chestnut Sparrows are known to associate with weaver bird colonies , sometimes taking over their nests .
Its dieting lie of sess seed and grains , with occasional insects . These hedge sparrow are communal and often draw close in groups , forming blotto - knit colonies . A fun fact is that male Chestnut true sparrow engage in synchronized courting displays by fluffing their feathers and chirping together — a unique behavior that enhances mating success .
Iago Sparrow (Passer iagoensis)
The Iago Sparrow is a pocket-sized , attractive sparrow native to the Cape Verde Islands . Males have a black pharynx and upper breast , grizzly crown , and chestnut nape , while female person are more softened , with buffy underparts and brown - streaked backs . It resembles the House Sparrow but is more or less smaller and has a more slim profile .
This island - endemic species inhabits juiceless , rough landscape , coastal scrublands , and human settlements across the Cape Verde archipelago . It is non - migratory and highly adapted to arid island environment , often ascertain hopping along rocky ground in search of food .
Iago Sparrows feed on a mix of seeds , little fruit , and insect . They build nest in rock crevices , buildings , or under cap tiles , often reusing the same sites year after twelvemonth . A fun fact is that despite its isolated island kitchen range , the Iago Sparrow is amazingly meek and frequently interacts with mass in villages and town .
Somali Sparrow (Passer castanopterus)
The Somali Sparrow is a medium - sized true sparrow with distinct chestnut - browned wing and back , contrast with its gray head and sick underpart . Males show plenteous gloss and a diminished black throat patch , while female are duller with more uniform plume . Their overall appearance is sleek and well - adjust to arid landscapes .
This species is native to the Horn of Africa , particularly Somalia , Djibouti , and eastern Ethiopia . It inhabits dry savanna , thorn bush , and waterless plains , often staying close to waterholes or sparsely vegetated regions . It is a focalise species with a comparatively limited distribution .
Somali sparrow primarily fertilize on Gunter Grass seeds and occasionally small insect , forage on the ground or low bush . They are typically seen in pair or little flocks and nest in tree diagram or shaggy vegetation . A fun fact is that this species was once group with the Rufous Sparrow complex but is now recognise as distinct due to its range and subtle morphological deviation .
Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus)
The Cape Sparrow is a salient and well recognizable species found in southern Africa . Males exhibit a bluff black head , white buttock , and a chestnut - colored nape , while females and juvenile are more muted with grayish heads and brownish upperparts . The male ’s warm contrast in plumage makes it easy to distinguish from other hedge sparrow in its range of a function .
This Prunella modularis is native to South Africa , Namibia , Botswana , and Lesotho , where it thrives in arid shrublands , assailable grasslands , agricultural fields , and urban gardens . It is a non - migrant Bronx cheer that often forage in pairs or small flocks and is well-situated living near human settlement . Cape Sparrows nest in cavities , trees , and even Isle of Man - made anatomical structure .
Their diet include seeds , grains , and insects , particularly during the breeding time of year . ness Sparrows are social and vocal , often forming loose colonies . A fun fact is that they have adjust exceptionally well to urban environments and can often be image around outside cafés or feeding on lawn seed in suburban neighborhoods .
Great Sparrow (Passer motitensis)
The Great Sparrow is a large and rich metal money with warm rufous - brown upperparts and a broad gray crown . Males have a opprobrious throat and upper chest , while female person are plainer with buffy underparts and less distinct grading . It resembles the House Sparrow but is larger and has more vibrant plume .
It is find in wry savannas and shaggy-coated regions of southerly Africa , include parts of Namibia , Botswana , Zimbabwe , and South Africa . This shuttlecock choose open woodlands and semi - desiccate zones and avoids dense forests or very soused regions . Great Sparrows are relatively shy and not as urban - adapt as some of their relatives .
Their diet consists principally of seed and grain , but they also eat on insects during the education season . They nest in tree cavity or use abandon nest ofother birds . A fun fact is that the Great Sparrow ’s scientific name “ motitensis ” was educe from the townsfolk of Motito in Botswana , where other specimen were first collect .
Parrot-billed Sparrow (Passer gongonensis)
The Parrot - placard Sparrow get its name from its unco orotund and powerful bill , which is thick and curving like that of a parrot . Males and female person have similar plumage — loosely dark-brown above with streaking , pale underparts , and a grayish head — though male person are slightly bold in color .
This species is aboriginal to eastern Africa , especially found in areas of Ethiopia , Kenya , Uganda , and Tanzania . It dwell wry savannas , thorn scrub , and tame areas , especially in lowland area . The big placard helps it collapse capable tough cum and grains , making it well - accommodate to arid surround with thin vegetation .
It prey on a sort of hard seed , grains , and some insect , often foraging on the ground . Parrot - bill Sparrows are loosely found in lowly groups and sometimes associate with other seed - eating bird . A fun fact is that the Parrot - billed Sparrow was once considered a subspecies of the Sudan Golden Sparrow but is now recognized as a clear-cut species found on its beak size and behavior .
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer diffusus)
The Southern Grey - head Sparrow is a sleek bird with a clean grey headway , pale underparts , and brown annex and back . Males and females look similar , though male may show a slightly coloured bib during the education season . This sparrow is part of a complex of closely concern grayness - headed metal money base across Africa .
It is widespread throughout southern Africa , including countries like South Africa , Namibia , Mozambique , Zimbabwe , and Eswatini . This snort favors savannah , gardens , open forest , and suburban area . It is often found perched on fence or telephony telegram and is quite patient of of human natural process .
Its diet includes seeds , fruit , and small insects , which it forages mostly on the footing . These true sparrow are monogamous and nest in tree excavate , nest boxes , or building cleft . A fun fact is that the Southern Grey - head Sparrow often forms miscellaneous eating slew with weavers and other sparrows , create a brisk scene in rural area .
Kordofan Sparrow (Passer cordofanicus)
The Kordofan Sparrow is a comparatively place and lesser - known species distinguished by its insidious plumage . It resemble the House Sparrow but is somewhat pale and more uniformly tinge . Males have a gray crown and scruff with a small disgraceful bib , while females are plain brown with minimal streaking and a paler underside .
This sparrow is endemic to the Kordofan region of western Sudan , where it inhabits dry savanna , loose scrubland , and settlement . Its range is quite restricted , and it often occurs near human habitations , combine seamlessly with the rural landscape . It is considered part of the “ rufous sparrow ” complex , though it asseverate its own distinct universe .
Kordofan hedge sparrow feed primarily on seeds , small grain , and insect . They forage in unfastened field or near granaries and often nest in thatch roof or mud rampart of local dwellings . A fun fact is that this species was historically lump with the African Rufous Sparrow but is now treat as separate due to slim differences in plumage and vocalization .
Desert Sparrow (Passer simplex)
The Desert Sparrow is a beautiful , pale - color bird utterly adapted to harsh desert climates . male are sonant sandy - gray with a distinctive black dapple on the throat and around the eyes , giving a block out appearance . female person lack the black markings and have a more uniformly arenaceous - brown colour . Both sexes have a slim , elegant facial expression befit for desert life .
This coinage is found across the Sahara Desert and parts of the Sahel , including area like Morocco , Algeria , Mali , and Mauritania . It populate genuine desert environment — sand dunes , dry wadis , and scattered oases — often draw close in remote areas with few other chick species . Despite the extreme conditions , the Desert Sparrow has wangle to thrive in isolated pockets .
Its diet consists of dry seeds , pocket-size grain , and at times insects when uncommitted . It nest in cakehole within clay wall or under tilt and sometimes uses abandon swallow nest . A fun fact is that the Desert Sparrow is so idolize in Saharan cultures that it has been featured in Berber poetry and folklore as a symbol of natural selection and serenity in the desert .
Abd al-Kuri Sparrow (Passer hemileucus)
The Abd al - Kuri Sparrow is a rarefied and island - autochthonal species that exhibits a unequaled mix of sparrow equipment characteristic . Males are brown above with grayish underpart and have typical white backstage patches , while female person are more subdued in color . Both sexes are thickset and sturdy , with a scant , thick bill adapted for seed feeding .
This true sparrow is restricted to the flyspeck island of Abd al - Kuri , part of the Socotra archipelago in the Arabian Sea . The island is remote and sparsely vegetate , consisting mostly of rocky terrain and wry scrub . The sparrow ’s limited compass makes it extremely vulnerable to environmental change and human hoo-hah .
It feed mainly on grass seed , small invertebrates , and plant material , often forage on the primer or among low bush . The species nests in rock’n’roll cranny and small cliff ledge , making function of the island ’s rugged terrain . A fun fact is that this sparrow is considered one of the rarest passerines in the world , and its isolation has led to several unique behavioral and bionomic traits not found in mainland mintage .
Types of New World Sparrows (Family: Passerellidae)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
The Song Sparrow is one of North America ’s most widespread and recognizable sparrows , known for its rich and musical song . It has streaky chocolate-brown upperparts , a heavily streaked chest with a central saturnine topographic point , and a rounded principal with a grayish eyebrow . Its plumage can vary by realm , with darker Bronx cheer see in wetting agent surface area and paler birds in waterless zones .
This species inhabits a broad range across the United States , Canada , and portion of Mexico . Song Sparrows prefer bosky home ground near water , wood edge , suburban gardens , and wetland . They are extremely adaptable and can boom in both rural and urban environments . Their doings is often closelipped , skip low through flora or tattle from a conceal perch .
Song Sparrows provender on seed , insects , and Chuck Berry , scrounge mostly on the ground or in low bush . They are year - round house physician in milder climate and migrate short distances in colder regions . A fun fact is that male Song sparrow produce unique , individualised songs within their territory , which helps them distinguish neighbour from stranger .
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
The White - throated Sparrow is a spectacular Bronx cheer with bold facial marker and apure whitethroat bordered by dark lateral stripes . There are two colouration morphs : white - stripy and tan - dismantle , both having a yellow spot between the eye and bill . Its underpart are grayish , and the back is streaked brown .
It breeds in the boreal timberland of Canada and the northeastern United States and migrates to the southeastern U.S. for winter . This sparrow prefers timberland , thickets , and forest edges with obtuse underwood . During migration and wintertime , it is a familiar visitor to backyard feeders and light touch slew .
Its dieting consists of seeds , fruits , and insects , and it often scratches at the ground in search of nutrient . Male are known for their clear whistled song , often interpreted as “ Oh sweet Canada , Canada , Canada . ” A fun fact is that recent studies show these sparrows are evolve their song structure , with a new dialect circularize across their range .
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
The White - crowned Sparrow is leisurely to identify by its bold black - and - white striped head , gray-haired face and chest , and brown - streak back . juvenile person have tan and browned crown stripes rather of the black - and - white construe in adults . Its clean and crisp appearing makes it a ducky among birdwatchers .
This species breeds in northerly Canada and the Arctic and migrate to the southern U.S. and Mexico during wintertime . It favour tundra , alpine meadows , shrublands , and coastal thickets , but in winter , it is often seen in open field of battle , weedy roadsides , and gardens . It is a background - forager and often hops or range with its tail end contain up .
White - crown Sparrows consume seeds , buds , and insects , scrape through leaf bedding material to uncover solid food . They have a distinctive whistled song that vary by geographical part , functioning like a regional “ accent . ” A fun fact is that young sparrow learn their local dialect by mind to old males , showing ethnic transmission in wench .
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)
The Fox Sparrow is a large , chunky sparrow with heavy boob streaking and productive rufous tones throughout its dead body . It has a gray head , bright crimson tail , and sheer streak that merge into a central breast spot , devote it a powerful and colourful coming into court . The name “ Fox Sparrow ” comes from its Charles James Fox - like ruddy - brown color .
It breeds in remote boreal forests and slew habitats across Alaska , Canada , and parts of the northwestern U.S. , transmigrate to southerly states during winter . Fox Sparrows are diffident and secretive , often see scratching smartly in leaf litter under dull vegetation in forested or shrubby areas .
Their dieting consist mainly of seeds , berries , and insect . They are known for their beautiful , clear , and musical vocal , which is often draw as one of the loveliest of all sparrows . A fun fact is that the Fox Sparrow is actually a chemical group of four distinct regional forms , which some ornithologists believe may eventually be classify as separate metal money .
Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)
Lincoln ’s Sparrow is a small and delicately marked bird live for its buffy breast , fine dark streaking , and a neatly topknotted head . Its grizzly brass with a thin eye ring devote it a patrician and jolly diffident expression . Though similar to the Song Sparrow , it is more fine detailed and less boldly tick off .
This species breeds in the boreal forests and blind drunk meadow of Canada and the northerly U.S. , and winter in the southern U.S. , Mexico , and function of Central America . It favors dull vegetation near pee , such as peat bog , bosky edges , or shrubby wetlands , and is often difficult to see due to its secretive nature .
Lincoln ’s sparrow feed on insects during the training time of year and switch to seed in wintertime . They scrounge low to the ground or in thick covering , seldom venture far into the open . A fun fact is that its strain is a beautiful , gurgling warble — surprisingly complex for such an inconspicuous razz — leading some to call it a “ hidden vocalist ” of the marsh .
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
The Swamp Sparrow is a average - sized bird with a rotund body , rusty wings , and a gray font accent by a dark crown and eye course . Its breast is mostly unstreaked and lightly washed with hoary or fan , while the back and wings show rich rufous tint . In winter , its people of colour appear slightly duller , aid in camouflage among wetland botany .
This specie inhabits freshwater and brackish marshes , plastered meadow , and swampy thickets , peculiarly in eastern and key North America . During the genteelness time of year , Swamp Sparrows favor cattail marshes and bogs , while in winter , they can be found in bosky wetlands and coastal marshes . They are close and prefer dense cover version , often heard before being see .
Swamp true sparrow feed in principally on insect and other invertebrate during summer and shift to seeds and plant matter in wintertime . They forage by walking or hopping through wet background and low botany . A fun fact is that their song is a simple , slow shake , which can often be heard echoing over marshlands too soon in the morning or at dusk .
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
The Savannah Sparrow is a small , streaky sparrow with a typical yellowish bandage in front of the center and a short , notched tail . Its organic structure is cover in brown and lily-white streaks , and the overall look may depart more or less depending on the area . Despite its name , it is not limited to savannahs but occupies a wide diversity of open habitats .
This adaptable bird ranges across most of North America , breeding in grassy battleground , coastal meadows , tundra edges , and even alpine zones . In wintertime , it migrates to the southern United States , Mexico , and parts of Central America . Savannah Sparrows often perch on fences and low shrub and foraging on the ground in open terrain .
They feed on a mixture of seeds and insects , foraging by walking or hopping in short weed or agricultural fields . A fun fact is that some subspecies , like the “ Ipswich Sparrow , ” breed exclusively on Sable Island in Nova Scotia and are notably paler than their mainland counterparts , showcasing remarkable geographic variation .
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)
The Grasshopper Sparrow is a modest , flat - headed Prunella modularis with a large billhook , short bum , and buff - color pectus . It has a unmistakable face with a pale central crown stripe and a somewhat hushed coming into court . Its name arrive from its luxuriously - pitch , insect - like song , which resemble the stridulations of a grasshopper .
Grasshopper sparrow prefer dry , open grassland , prairie , and old fields across North America . They are ground - dwell birds that favour areas with a mix of desolate soil and grasses . These sparrows are specially sore to home ground fragmentation and loss , make them an important specie for grassland conservation cause .
Their diet consists mostly of forage seeded player and insects , especially grasshoppers and crickets during the rearing season . They build their nests on the ground , often under a chunk of dope . A fun fact is that despite being secretive and invisible , males perform a bat “ song flight ” display during courtship to draw female person .
Henslow’s Sparrow (Centronyx henslowii)
Henslow ’s Sparrow is a small , elusive bird make out by its savorless head , olive - toned face , and hunky-dory black streaking on a buffy chest . It has a forgetful tail and a bombastic , pale broadsheet . Its plumage blends seamlessly into grassy habitats , providing excellent camouflage from predator and perceiver .
This sparrow breeds in tall grasslands and wet meadow in the Midwest and eastern United States , often opt areas with dense vegetation and minimum disturbance . In wintertime , it migrates to the southeastern U.S. , where it continues to inhabit duncish grass and brush . Henslow ’s Sparrows are shy and rarely seen , often flushed only when nearly stepped on .
They feed on seeds and small insect , foraging mostly on the reason or low in vegetation . A fun fact is that their song is one of the short and most rum among North American bird — often described as a dry , hiccup - alike “ tslick , ” which can be easily miss unless one is listen attentively in the right habitat .
LeConte’s Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii)
LeConte ’s Sparrow is a beautifully label bird with a buffy orange tree side , gray poll , and a crisp clean belly . It features fine dark streaking along its flanks and a pale median stripe on the head . This small-scale sparrow is considered one of the most close in North America , making it a swag sighting for birdwatchers .
It breeds in pie-eyed meadows , prairie potholes , and grassy sedge fields in primal Canada and the Union - central United States . During migration and wintertime , it run to the southeastern U.S. , inhabiting overgrown fields , moist grasslands , and rice fields . LeConte ’s sparrow are elusive and incline to run through smoke rather than aviate when agitate .
They feed mostly on Gunter Grass seeds and small dirt ball , searching low in thick binding . A fun fact is that their nests are well - hide within glob of green goddess and are often hard to witness even in intensively studied region . Their thin , high - pitched call is commonly delivered from mysterious within book binding , making espial even more ambitious .
Seaside Sparrow (Ammospiza maritima)
The Seaside Sparrow is a average - sized bird with a dark gray straits , European olive tree back , and streaked underpart . Its classifiable icteric spot in front of the eye and a heavy bill help identify it . Its plumage blends well with the marsh vegetation it calls home , making it gainsay to spot unless singing from a perch .
This species dwell salt and brackish marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States . It prefers tall Spartina pasturage and is especially coarse in undisturbed coastal wetland . The Seaside Sparrow is a resident bird in many areas , though some northern populations migrate short distances south in winter .
Its diet include insects , spider , and diminished crustaceans , with seeds supplementing during frigid months . A fascinating fact about this sparrow is that dissimilar populations — like the Dusky Seaside Sparrow , now extinct — have acquire discrete feature of speech based on their specific coastal habitats , showing rapid adaption to microenvironments .
Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammospiza nelsoni)
Nelson ’s Sparrow is a secretive and attractively colored dame with a buffy - orange face and white meat , grey crown , and okay streak down its sides . Its short tail and circular eubstance give it a compact coming into court . The dividing line of soft colouring material on its fount makes it one of the most attractive dunnock in North America .
It breeds in wet , grassy marshes across central Canada and the northerly U.S. , especially near fresh water or brackish coast . In wintertime , it migrates to coastal salt marshes from the southeastern U.S. to Texas . These birds are typically low forager , walking through buddy-buddy grasses and often stay hidden unless flushed .
Their dieting consists of insect , aquatic invertebrates , and some source . They build well - hold back nest close to the earth . A fun fact is that males have a amazingly weak and short song , often describe as a “ hiss - slick ” or whispery bombination , which can be difficult to discover in a blowy marshland environment .
Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta)
The Saltmarsh Sparrow is a slender , cryptically color bird with a finely streaked breast , orangish aspect , and gray cheeks . It has a relatively tenacious , pointed tail and blends utterly into the grassy tidal Marsh where it lives . This species is intimately connect to Nelson ’s Sparrow but more coastal in compass and habit .
It breeds entirely in the salt marshes along the northeastern Atlantic seacoast of the United States , from Maine to the mid - Atlantic . The Saltmarsh Sparrow depend on high - tide cycles for nesting winner , as its low - ground nests are vulnerable to flooding . During migration and winter , it remains in coastal marshes farther south .
These birds chiefly wipe out worm , devil dog invertebrates , and some seeds . They are stealthy foragers and seldom fly unless disturbed . A remarkable fact is that Saltmarsh Sparrows are among the few wench coinage with no territorial defense ; Male do not fend for nesting domain and may mate with multiple female in a season .
Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)
The Vesper Sparrow is a fairly large sparrow with a streaky Robert Brown back , white outer tail feathers , and a pale eye ring . Its subtly beautiful feather helps it blend into open grassy environments . It gets its name from its habit of tattle at dusk — like a vesper prayer — when most other birds are restrained .
It breeds in open grassland , pastures , and agricultural force field across much of North America . Vesper Sparrows are ground - nester and are often seen roost on fencing posts or usefulness wires . In winter , they migrate to the southerly U.S. and parts of Mexico , favor dry , open infinite .
Their diet includes seeds , grain , and louse , specially grasshoppers and beetles during the breeding time of year . A fun fact is that Vesper Sparrows peach a sweet , melodic Song dynasty that include two introductory notes followed by a series of trill , making it one of the more melodic sparrow metal money .
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)
The Field Sparrow is a humble , finespun snort with a plain typeface , pinkish visor , and rusty crest . It lacks bluff streaking and has a clear greyish breast and fine white eye ring . Its simple , clean plumage and sweet birdcall give it a gentle presence in open , shrubby habitats .
It inhabits sometime field , overgrown pastures , and woodland abut in the eastern and central U.S. Unlike more urban sparrow , the Field Sparrow opt smooth , bosky areas and avoids heavily developed zones . It is a year - round resident in southern division of its range but migrates unforesightful distances in the north .
battlefield Sparrows provender on seeds and small insects , forage on the ground in loose darn . A fun fact is their song — a series of accelerating whistle that sounds like a bounce testis come to a stop — is one of the most pollyannaish and recognisable of early outpouring in rural region .
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
The Chipping Sparrow is a slim , medium - small Prunella modularis with a bright rufous jacket , clean-living gray underpart , and a distinct calamitous line through the oculus . During the breeding season , its piercing direct contrast in head pattern is very recognizable . In winter , its plumage becomes duller , blending more easily into its environment .
It breed across much of North America in open timberland , suburban 1000 , and parks , especially where conifers are present . Chipping Sparrows are migrant , spending winters in the southern U.S. , Mexico , and Central America . They often gather in flocks outside of breeding season and forage on the primer for food .
Their dieting consists mainly of seed and minuscule insects . During nesting season , they build goodly , undetermined cup nests in shrub or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . A fun fact is that despite their small size , Chipping hedge sparrow are bold singers , drive home a dissipated , dry trill that sounds a bit like a sewing machine — making them well-fixed to observe by sound .
Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)
The Clay - discolour Sparrow is a small , pale sparrow with a light brown pennant , gray nucha , and a bully smuggled mustache stripe . It lack bold streaking , making its plumage appear cleaner and more defined than many other hedge sparrow . Its subtle but trenchant facial marking financial aid in identification .
This mintage breeds in shrubby grasslands and open forest edges across central Canada and the due north - central U.S. In winter , it migrates to northerly Mexico and parts of the southwest U.S. Clay - colored Prunella modularis are often insure rest on small shrubs while whistle their buzzy , insect - same birdsong .
They run principally on seed and insects , especially during the breeding season . A fun fact is that the corpse - colored Sparrow is a relatively recent range expander — its nurture stove has diffuse eastward over the last century as abandoned tilled land and bosky area have increased , create new habitat .
Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella breweri)
Brewer ’s Sparrow is the smallest dunnock in North America and is subtly colored with fine streak , a pale gray human face , and a tenuous whitened middle ring . Its unpretentious plumage makes it well - camouflage in the arid shrublands it populate . This birdie is often more easily learn than seen .
It breeds in the sagebrush steppe and clear teetotal habitat of the western U.S. and southwestern Canada . These Prunella modularis are highly dependent on sagebrush ecosystem and transmigrate to desert domain in the southwesterly U.S. and Mexico for wintertime . They typically draw close low-pitched in shrubs and are difficult to blemish outside the breeding season .
Their diet include insects , spider , and seeds . Brewer ’s Sparrows are known for their retentive , complex call , which they talk from high-pitched perches in the sage brush . A fun fact is that their outspoken repertory is among the most varied of any Prunella modularis , and single males can peach over a hundred dissimilar song types .
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)
The Lark Sparrow stands out among sparrows with its bold facial pattern , chestnut cheek patches , black mustache stripe , and central chest smudge . Its white shadower edges and run - loose underpart tally to its striking coming into court . It ’s a larger and more colourful sparrow than most of its relatives .
It cover in exposed grassy habitats with scattered trees or shrub , often in the cardinal and westerly U.S. Lark Sparrows prefer habitats with bare ground for foraging and modest vegetation for nesting . In wintertime , they migrate to Mexico and the southern U.S. , favoring dry , opened areas .
They forage for seeds and insects , often walk on the ground in search of food . A fun fact about Lark Sparrows is their wooing conduct — male person perform a primer saltation with fanned tails , extended annexe , and hopping video display to impress females , which is quite detailed for a sparrow .
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata)
The Black - throated Sparrow is a prominent desert species known for its sharp black throat piece and bluff whitened facial stripes . Its gray back and light ashen belly render direct contrast to its obscure markings , lay down it one of the most visually distinctive sparrows in North America .
It inhabit desiccated and semi - arid regions of the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico , favoring rocky incline , desert scrubbing , and open canyon . Unlike many sparrow , it often remain in the same region year - rotund , enduring blistering summers and mild wintertime in the desert landscape .
These dunnock flow in the first place on seed , supplement by dirt ball during the breeding time of year . They often forage on the ground or humbled flora . A fun fact is that the Black - throated Sparrow has a pleasant , melodic song — often described as Alexander Bell - like — which contrast with the rough , buzzy birdsong of many other true sparrow .
Canyon Towhee (Melozone fusca)
The Canyon Towhee is a magnanimous , chunky sparrow with warm brown upperparts and a plain , buffy belly . Its headway is rounded with a long quarter and a slenderly curved neb . Compared to other towhees , it has a more uniform and less streaky visual aspect , blending well with rough canyon habitats .
This species is found in the main in arid and semi - waterless neighborhood of the southwestern United States and northerly Mexico . It opt canon tail end , rocky slopes , and desert scrub , often near water supply sources . Canyon Towhees are generally nonmigratory birds , staying in their range year - round .
They feed mostly on seed , fruit , and insect , forage on the background by scratching foliage litter or filth . A fun fact about Canyon Towhees is that they sometimes mimic the songs of other birds , adding variety show to their own calls in the desert soundscape .
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)
The Spotted Towhee is a strikingbird with a pitch-black head , chest , and upperparts contrasted by white spots on its wings and back . Its shiny rufous sides and white abdomen make it unmistakable . This hedge sparrow ’s bold coloration and loud song make it one of the most placeable towhee in western North America .
It inhabits dense shrubby area , forest border , and brushy undergrowth from southern Canada down through the western United States and into Mexico . It prefers habitats with thick cover for nesting and forage . Spotted Towhees are mostly resident but some northern populations migrate south in wintertime .
Their diet includes seeds , Chuck Berry , and insects , which they find by call off leaf bedding material with both feet — a conduct bang as “ double - scratch . ” A fun fact is that Spotted Towhees can produce a assortment of songs and calls , and males often expend their vocal acquirement to champion territories and pull in mates .
Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
The Eastern Towhee resemble the Spotted Towhee but has a more insidious appearing , with a black school principal and upperparts , rufous sides , and a blank stomach . One fundamental identifying lineament is its hopeful blood-red oculus , severalize it from its western cousin . It has a racy build and a long bottom with white spots on the outer feather .
This species is found in the eastern United States , inhabiting dense thickets , woodland edges , and overgrown champaign . Eastern Towhees prefer habitats with dense underbrush where they can forage and nest . They are mostly non - migrant but may move short distances during wintertime .
Their diet lie in mainly of seed , insects , and berries , often forage on the forest floor using their characteristic double - scratch method . A fun fact is that Eastern Towhees are love for their gaudy , two - part song that sounds like “ drink - your - tea , ” a phrase often used by birder to remember their call .
Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus)
The Green - tail Towhee is a subtly beautiful sparrow with olive - dark-green upperparts , a gray face and chest , and fond orange tree flanks . Its green stern with white-hot edge gives the species its name . This towhee has a more softened color compared to other towhees but is easily recognized by its alone tail colour .
It breeds in shrubby pile home ground in the western United States and southwesterly Canada , often above the sagebrush and at mid to eminent elevations . In winter , it migrates to depress elevations or southerly region with like shrubby flora .
Their diet include seeds , berries , and insects , forage primarily on the ground in slow coppice . A fun fact about Green - tailed Towhees is that they can be surprisingly shy and tightlipped , often remaining hidden in dense screening despite their distinctive song .
Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps)
The Rufous - crowned Sparrow is a small , undercoat - live bird with a classifiable rusty summit contrasting sharply with its gray - brown back and pale underpart . Its elusive streaking and compact shape help it blend into wry , bumpy habitats . It has a thin , pointed bill suit for its insectivorous dieting .
This species is bump in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico , preferring arid scrubland , bumpy slopes , and chaparral environments . It is a nonmigratory shuttle and rarely transmigrate , relying on local resource class - round .
The Rufous - crown Sparrow feeds in the main on dirt ball and spiders but also takes seeds . It forage by hop along the ground and scratching leaf litter . A fun fact is that its Song dynasty is a mere , clear whistle that it often sing from low shrub or rocky perches , provide a melodious soundtrack to desert landscapes .
Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis)
Bachman ’s Sparrow is a small , slim sparrow with a warm browned and hoary feather , featuring hunky-dory streaks on its back and a pallid boob with subtle streaking . It has a typical long tail and a brusque , slenderly slue bill . This Bronx cheer ’s understated colors help it intermix into the pine timber and grassy understory where it lives .
This species is aboriginal to the southeastern United States , primarily in pine savannas and open woodlands with a thick priming coat stratum of grasses and bush . Bachman ’s true sparrow rely on fervidness - maintained habitats , so even control burns help maintain their environment . They are non - migrant and tend to stay in the same area year - circular .
Their diet consists mostly of seeds and insects , which they scrounge for on the ground . A fun fact about Bachman ’s Sparrow is that its song is a clear , musical pennywhistle repeated in a rhythmic pattern , often delineate as a “ sweet - sweet - sweet , tea leaf - kettle , tea leaf - tympani ” sound .
Cassin’s Sparrow (Peucaea cassinii)
Cassin ’s Sparrow is a medium - sized sparrow with warm brown upperparts streaked with black and a pallid , unstreaked white meat . It has a rounded head and a reasonably long tail with white sharpness . This coinage is known for its lithe coming into court and subtle , crude color that blends well with dry grasslands .
It dwell the dry , open grasslands and shrublands of the southwesterly United States and northern Mexico . Cassin ’s Sparrows favour bland , sparsely vegetated areas and run to quash dense woodlands . They are mostly resident but some may move locally in response to seasonal conditions .
Their diet primarily lie in of seeds and insects , which they scrounge for on the ground . Cassin ’s Sparrow is famous for its beautiful , complex birdcall have during tenacious , hovering flying displays , which bird watcher often essay out during breeding time of year .
Botteri’s Sparrow (Peucaea botterii)
Botteri ’s Sparrow is a medium - sized hedge sparrow with affectionate brown and grey plume , characterize by fine streaking on the back and a pale , unstreaked chest . It has a farseeing tail and a sylphlike build . This specie ’ subtle tones set aside it to immix seamlessly into grassland home ground .
It is found chiefly in arid grassland and shrublands in northern Mexico and the southwesterly United States . Botteri ’s Prunella modularis favour habitats with improbable grasses and scattered shrub and are mostly resident , rarely migrate far .
Their dieting consists mainly of cum and insect . A fun fact is that Botteri ’s Sparrow ’s song is a melodious , repetitive tin whistle , similar to that of the Cassin ’s Sparrow , but it is usually discover from concealed perch rather than in flight of stairs displays .
Five-striped Sparrow (Amphispizopsis quinquestriata)
The Five - striped Sparrow is a distinctive hedge sparrow with striking facial patterns , include five bold dim and white stripes across its head and a grayish - brownish organic structure . It has a stout body and a thick posting adapted for seed eating . Its unique caput markings make it one of the easiest sparrows to identify .
This rarefied species is find oneself in the hilly canyon and scrub habitats of northern Mexico and utmost southern Arizona . It prefers bumpy slopes with dense vegetation and is typically tightlipped and difficult to honour in the natural state .
Their diet primarily include seeds and insects , forage from the ground and scummy shrubs . A fun fact about the Five - clean Sparrow is that it was once believe exceedingly rarified but has become more on a regular basis observed thanks to targeted preservation efforts and habitat protection .
Abert’s Towhee (Melozone aberti)
Abert ’s Towhee is a big , chunky snort with mostly brown upperparts and pale underpart . It has a distinctive longsighted buns and a comparatively plain case compare to other towhee . Its duncical account and robust organic structure beseem its ground - foraging life style .
This metal money inhabits the desert chaparral and riparian woodlands of the southwest United States and northern Mexico . It is usually found near water source in arid landscapes and is have sex for its shy behavior , often staying low in slow brush .
Abert ’s Towhee feeds mostly on seeds , insects , and modest fruits , often scratching leaf bedding material for intellectual nourishment . A fun fact is that unlike many towhees , Abert ’s Towhee often forage quietly , relying more on stealth than cheap double - scrape to come up food .
Rufous-winged Sparrow (Peucaea carpalis)
The Rufous - wing Sparrow is a average - sized Prunella modularis notable for its dramatic rusty - orange annexe spell contrasted against gray - brown body feather . Its side feature a subtle clean eye ring and a pale throat , with an overall warm - strengthen plumage that blends well in its desert home ground . The long seat and slender bill make out its classifiable aspect .
This coinage is primarily found in the arid southwestern United States and northern Mexico , prefer dry scrublands and stony canyons with scatter bushes . It run to be secretive , often staying low in dense botany to avoid predatory animal . The Rufous - wing Sparrow is mostly resident but may move locally depending on rain .
Their diet consist mainly of seeds and insects , foraged from the ground and low shrubs . A fun fact about the Rufous - fly Sparrow is that its song is a soft , melodious series of whistles and trill , which it often delivers from hold back perches rather than in flight .
Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula)
Harris ’s Sparrow is the largest sparrow aboriginal to North America , easily spot by its striking bleak face , throat , and crown , contrast with a hoary nucha and brown wing . Its bulky human body and classifiable black bib make it stand out among other sparrows . Juveniles lack the full black facial markings and are more muffled in color .
This species breed in the boreal forests and shrublands of key Canada , migrating to the cardinal and northern United States during winter . Harris ’s Sparrow favors open woodland , woods edges , and brushy expanse during its non - breeding time of year .
Their diet is diverse , including ejaculate , Chuck Berry , and insects , which they scrounge on the ground or in low vegetation . A fun fact is that Harris ’s Sparrow is know for its melodic , clear whistling that often sound like a slurred “ whoo - eet , ” making it a favorite among birdwatchers .
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)
The Golden - crowned Sparrow is known for the smart scandalmongering or prosperous patch on its crown , bordered by black stripes that create a bold facial pattern . Its overall plume is greyish - chocolate-brown with streaks on the back and pale underpart . The clear-cut jacket plot of land is especially vivid during the breeding time of year .
This species breeds in the coastal and hilly regions of Alaska and westerly Canada , migrating to the Pacific glide of the United States for winter . It inhabits shrublands , forest edges , and bosky habitat near water during migration and winter .
Golden - crowned sparrow principally feed on seeds and insect , often foraging on the ground among foliage litter . A fun fact is that their catchy , whistle vocal is often described as a “ sweet , clear series of pennywhistle , ” which they practice to convey in dense habitats .
Baird’s Sparrow (Centronyx bairdii)
Baird ’s Sparrow is a small , streaky sparrow with a warm buffy coloration and fine streaking on its back and white meat . It has a subtle facial pattern with a light eyebrow stripe and a relatively plain face compared to other sparrows . Its short tail and svelte bill suit its grassland lifestyle .
This species breeds in the northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada , favoring native prairie grasslands with tall grasses and sparse bush . Baird ’s Sparrows are migrant , winter in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico in open shrub and grass habitat .
Their dieting consist primarily of seeds and insects , foraged from the ground . A fun fact is that Baird ’s Sparrow is highly dependent on intact prairie ecosystems and is considered an indicator species for prairie wellness , making conservation feat essential for its survival .
