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
Migration: Summers throughout much of the United
States and southern Canada. Winters in the southern U.S. and points south.
Conservation Status: Vesper Sparrows declined
precipitously in the eastern United States during the 20th century, but that is
most likely due to the reforestation of forest lands that were cut or used for
agricultural near the start of the 20th century. Their numbers were likely
artificially high in the East during the years with low forest cover, but are
declining as forest lands return. They are still widespread and common in
the West. Overall, numbers may be showing some decline, but there's no
substantial threat to their overall population.
The IUCN considers the
Vesper Sparrow to be a species of "Least Concern".
2)
Audubon Guide - Vesper Sparrow
3)
BirdWeb - 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.