Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

The Field Sparrow is a small, long-tailed sparrow of brushy fields and shrublands.  They have greatly benefited from man's forest clearing activities, as the brushy second-growth forest is the perfect habitat for them.  Their energetic songs can be heard on even the hottest of days when most other birds are temporarily dormant.

Habitat: Prefers brushy areas, such as brushy fields, woodland edges, hedgerows and fencelines, and second growth forest.

Diet: The majority of the summer diet is insects and spiders, along with seeds.  The majority of the winter diet is seeds.

Behavior: Field Sparrows typically forage low in brush or other vegetation, or on the ground.  Males are very frequent singers from higher perches, however, as they defend territory.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Field Sparrow song

Migration: They are permanent residents throughout much of the eastern United States.  Birds towards the northern end of their range, such as those in the Dakotas, do migrate southward in the winter.  

Similar Species: Clay-colored Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow

Conservation Status: Numbers increased greatly following European colonization, due to clearing of forest lands.  Numbers have declined over the past century as forest areas have regrown. Still widespread and abundant, however.

Bird Feeders: Will attend feeders for various small grains.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Field Sparrow

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Field Sparrow"

3) eNature.com: Field Sparrow

Photo Information: September 30th, 2008 - Newton Hills State Park, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Field Sparrow photos.