chipping sparrow
1. Bird Name
The bird profiled today is the Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina).
2. Appearance
The Chipping Sparrow is a slender, long-tailed songbird that measures approximately 12–15 cm in length. Its most distinguishing features are its rusty red cap and stark white eyebrow stripe, combined with a black line through the eye. The rest of the bird’s body is gray underneath and brown above, with lightly streaked back and wings, and a dual-tone tail – dark at the top transitioning to lighter shades at the bottom. The bird has a small, sharp beak adept for foraging seeds. There is no striking difference between males and females, both bearing similar plumage.
3. Size
Adult Chipping Sparrows average between 12–15 centimeters in length with a wingspan of roughly 20–25 cm. The weight can range from approximately 11–16 grams, which is roughly the weight of two to three standard paper clips.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Chipping Sparrows can be found across North America. Their range includes the majority of the U.S, extending into parts of Canada and Mexico. They prefer open woodlands, parks, gardens, and fields across towns and cities. During winters, they can also be found in the southern regions of the United States and Mexico.
5. Interesting Facts
Chipping Sparrows have a distinct mating behavior where the male will perform a flight display to attract a female. The males’ flight comprises fluttering at a great height, followed by a spiraling glide down while singing to impress the females. Another fact is that their nests are often parasitized by Cowbirds, who lay their own eggs in Sparrows’ nests. The name “Chipping Sparrow” comes from their sharp “chip” call which is distinctively different from their trilling song.
6. Diet
Chipping Sparrows mainly feed on seeds, especially in winter. Seeds of grasses and weeds, as well as grains, make up a significant part of their diet. During the summer, they also eat many insects and spiders, and feed their offspring almost exclusively on insects.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Chipping Sparrows are gregarious birds, often forming flocks outside of the breeding season. They are ground feeders and are known for their repeated “chip” calls. Their song is a simple trill, which can differ regionally.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Chipping Sparrow is currently listed as being of least concern. Their populations are stable and they are not currently threatened with extinction.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Chipping Sparrows typically live for approximately 7–9 years. Unfortunately, their lifespan in captivity is not well documented.
10. Additional Notes
In Mexico, the Chipping Sparrow is known as “Gorrión Cejiblanco”. These birds play an important role in their ecosystems as seed dispensers and in controlling insect populations. Despite being common city dwellers, they surprisingly don’t depend much on humans for food, preferring natural sources.
They are also known to have a friendly temperament, often seen in close proximity to human dwellings, bringing song and movement to our gardens and parks.
