Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

Harris's Sparrows were one of the last North American birds to have it's nesting location discovered, when nesting they were finally seen in the stunted scrubby spruces near the treeline in northern Canada in 1931.  Harris's Sparrows are quite large compared to most of the sparrows found in the state.

Habitat: Open woods, brush, shelterbelts, residential areas.

Diet: Mostly seeds, insects, berries.  Varies with season, may include more seeds and berries in winter, insects in the summer.

Behavior: Primarily forages along the ground, often scratching through leaf litter in search of food. Will also forage through low vegetation.

Nesting: Non-Breeder in South Dakota

Song: Repeated clear tremulous whistles in 1 pitch, followed at an interval by several clear notes in another pitch.  Calls sound like a loud metallic spink and a drawn-out tseep.

Migration: Winters in central to southern Great Plains, summers in remote north-central Canada.

Similar Species: Generally distinctive, not easily confused with other sparrow species.

Bird Feeders: Grains, mixed birdseed, suet, breadcrumbs

Conservation Status: Numbers appear to be stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Harris's Sparrow

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

3) eNature.com: Harris's Sparrow

Photo Information: October 8th, 2008 - Minnehaha County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

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