Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

The Vesper Sparrow is generally less shy than many of the grassland sparrows, and can often be seen singing from the highest perch in its territory.   They are named after their believed tendency to sing most gloriously during the vesper (evening) hours, although they will sing at any hour of the day.  They are very fond of dust baths, often using the bare soil of a field or a dirt road.

Habitat: Can be found in many open dryland habitats, including roadside ditches, prairies, grassy or weedy fields, and stubble fields.

Diet: Insects and seeds.  Primarily feeds on insects during the summer, along with spiders and other small invertebrates.  Feeds heavily on seeds in the winter. 

Behavior: Nearly always forages on the ground, often in small flocks.

Nesting: May through July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Vesper Sparrow song

Migration: Summers throughout much of the United States and southern Canada.  Winters in the southern U.S. and points south.

Similar Species: Savannah Sparrow

Conservation Status: Has greatly declined in the eastern part of the country, but is generally widespread and common in the West.

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

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Vesper Sparrow

3) eNature.com - Vesper Sparrow

Photo Information: September 30th, 2006 - Lincoln County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

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