Mya BambrickDid you know that Ohio is home to a rich diversity of sparrows species, making it a fascinating destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike? Among the approximately 20 native sparrow species found in the state, twelve stand out due to their unique characteristics and habitats. This article delves into these twelve types of sparrows, exploring their physical traits, behaviors, and the environments they thrive in.
1. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
- Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
- Life span: varies among species, including the white-crowned sparrow. 2-7 years
- Size: similar to the small chipping sparrow. 5.5-7 in / 14-18 cm
- Weight: 0.8-1.4 oz / 22-40 g
- Wingspan: 9.1-9.8 in / 23-25 cm
The Song Sparrow is another common species in Ohio, easily identified by its distinctive brown streaks converging on a central breast spot. They have a grayish head with a brown crown and are often found in wetlands, fields, and shrubby areas. Their melodious song, which consists of a series of cheerful notes, is a delight to hear, especially during the breeding season.
These sparrows are typically solitary or found in pairs. They feed primarily on seeds and insects, foraging on the ground or in low vegetation. Song Sparrows are known for their adaptability, often nesting in a variety of habitats, including urban gardens and rural fields
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2. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
- Size: 5.5 – 6.3 in (14 – 16 cm)
- Weight: 1.1 – 1.4 oz (30 – 40 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 7.9 – 9.1 in (20 – 23 cm)
The House Sparrow is perhaps the most recognizable sparrow in Ohio, often seen in urban areas and around human habitation. Males are characterized by their gray crowns, black bibs, and chestnut sides, while females are more subdued in color, displaying a general brownish hue with streaks. These birds have adapted remarkably well to urban environments, often seen foraging for food scraps and seeds in parks and gardens.
House Sparrows are social birds, typically found in flocks. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, grains, and occasionally insects. They are known for their cheerful chirping, which can be heard throughout the day. Their ability to thrive in human-altered landscapes has made them one of the most successful bird species globally, often competing with native birds for nesting sites.
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3. Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
- Size: 5.5 – 6.3 in (14 – 16 cm)
- Weight: 0.7 – 1.1 oz (20 – 31 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 8 years
- Wingspan: 8.3 – 9.8 in (21 – 25 cm)
Chipping Sparrows are small, slender birds with a distinctive rusty crown and a grayish body. They are commonly found in open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, such as parks and gardens. Their name comes from their characteristic “chip” call, which is often heard during the breeding season as males defend their territories.
These sparrows are social and often form flocks outside of the breeding season. They primarily feed on seeds, particularly those of grasses and weeds, and are frequent visitors to bird feeders. Their charming presence and lively songs make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
4. Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)
- Size: 5.5 – 6.3 in (14 – 16 cm)
- Weight: 0.7 – 1.0 oz (20 – 28 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 8.0 – 9.0 in (20 – 23 cm)
Field Sparrows are characterized by their pale gray heads, pink bills, and rufous crowns. They are often found in overgrown fields, meadows, and brushy areas where they can easily conceal themselves. Their song is a sweet, melodic trill that can often be heard during the spring and summer months.
These sparrows prefer habitats with dense vegetation, which provides cover from predators. They primarily feed on seeds and insects, foraging on the ground. Field Sparrows are known for their unique courtship displays, where males will sing from prominent perches to attract females.
5. Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
- Size: 5.9 – 6.7 in (15 – 17 cm)
- Weight: 0.7 – 1.1 oz (20 – 31 g)
- Lifespan: 2 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 8.7 – 9.8 in (22 – 25 cm)
Savannah Sparrows are medium-sized sparrows with streaked brown and yellow plumage. They are commonly found in open grasslands, fields, and along coastal areas. Their distinctive call, a series of musical notes, is often heard during the breeding season as males establish their territories.
These sparrows thrive in habitats with low vegetation, where they can forage for seeds and insects. They are known for their secretive nature, often hiding in tall grasses. Savannah Sparrows are migratory, with many individuals leaving Ohio during the winter months.
6. Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)
- Size: 4.7 – 5.9 in (12 – 15 cm)
- Weight: 0.6 – 1.0 oz (17 – 28 g)
- Lifespan: 2 – 4 years
- Wingspan: 8.0 – 9.0 in (20 – 23 cm)
The Grasshopper Sparrow is a small, secretive bird known for its distinctive buzzing song that resembles the sound of grasshoppers. They prefer open grasslands and fields with sparse vegetation, where they can easily blend in with their surroundings. Their plumage is streaked and brown, providing excellent camouflage.
These sparrows are primarily insectivorous, foraging for insects and seeds on the ground. They are often difficult to spot due to their secretive behavior, but their unique song can be heard during the breeding season. Grasshopper Sparrows are considered near threatened due to habitat loss.
7. Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)
- Size: 5.9 – 7.1 in (15 – 18 cm)
- Weight: 1.0 – 1.3 oz (28 – 37 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 9.1 – 11.0 in (23 – 28 cm)
Vesper Sparrows are known for their striking facial patterns and melodic evening songs. They inhabit grasslands, prairies, and open fields, often seen perched on fence posts or low shrubs. Their plumage is predominantly brown with a white belly and distinctive white wing bars.
These sparrows are ground foragers, primarily feeding on seeds and insects. Their song, which is often described as sweet and melodic, is a hallmark of summer evenings in Ohio. Vesper Sparrows are relatively common, although their populations can fluctuate based on habitat availability.
8. Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)
- Size: 5.5 – 6.3 in (14 – 16 cm)
- Weight: 0.7 – 1.1 oz (20 – 31 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 8.3 – 9.1 in (21 – 23 cm)
Clay-colored Sparrows are small, slender birds with a distinctive pale brown and gray plumage. They are often found in open grasslands and shrubby areas, where they can easily hide from predators. Their song is a series of high-pitched notes, often described as a “chewy” sound.
These sparrows primarily feed on seeds and insects, foraging on the ground or in low vegetation. They are migratory, with many individuals passing through Ohio during the spring and fall. Clay-colored Sparrows are often confused with other similar species, making them a challenge for birdwatchers to identify.
9. LeConte’s Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii)
- Size: 5.5 – 6.3 in (14 – 16 cm)
- Weight: 0.6 – 0.9 oz (17 – 25 g)
- Lifespan: 2 – 4 years
- Wingspan: 8.0 – 9.0 in (20 – 23 cm)
LeConte’s Sparrows are secretive birds found in wet meadows and marshes. They have a distinctive yellowish-brown plumage with streaks and a unique song that resembles an insect’s buzz. Their elusive nature makes them difficult to spot, but their song can be heard during the breeding season.
These sparrows prefer dense vegetation, where they can forage for seeds and insects while remaining hidden from predators. They are migratory, with many individuals passing through Ohio during the spring and fall. LeConte’s Sparrows are considered near threatened due to habitat loss.
10. Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)
- Size: 6.3 – 7.5 in (16 – 19 cm)
- Weight: 1.0 – 1.5 oz (28 – 43 g)
- Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
- Wingspan: 9.8 – 11.0 in (25 – 28 cm)
The Fox Sparrow is a large, stocky sparrow with striking reddish-brown plumage. They are often found in woodland areas with dense undergrowth, where they can forage for seeds and insects. Their song is a rich, melodious trill that is a delight to hear in the spring.
These sparrows are known for their unique feeding behavior, often scratching at the ground to uncover hidden seeds and insects. Fox Sparrows are migratory, with many individuals passing through Ohio during the winter months. Their beautiful plumage and song make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
11. Nelson’s Sparrow (Ammospiza nelsoni)
- Size: 5.5 – 6.3 in (14 – 16 cm)
- Weight: 0.6 – 0.9 oz (17 – 25 g)
- Lifespan: 2 – 4 years
- Wingspan: 8.0 – 9.0 in (20 – 23 cm)
Nelson’s Sparrows are small, secretive birds with a distinctive combination of gray, brown, and reddish colors. They are typically found in wet meadows and marshes, where they build their nests among dense vegetation. Their song is a soft, insect-like buzz that can be heard during the breeding season.
These sparrows prefer habitats with wetland vegetation, where they can forage for seeds and insects. They are migratory, with many individuals passing through Ohio during the spring and fall. Nelson’s Sparrows are considered near threatened due to habitat loss.
12. Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
- Size: 5.5 – 6.7 in (14 – 17 cm)
- Weight: 0.7 – 1.1 oz (20 – 31 g)
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Wingspan: 8.0 – 9.0 in (20 – 23 cm)
Swamp Sparrows are medium-sized sparrows with dark brown plumage and distinctive facial markings. They are commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams. Their song is a series of clear, whistled notes that can be heard during the breeding season.
These sparrows are adept at navigating dense vegetation and foraging for seeds and insects in their wetland habitats. They are year-round residents in Ohio, although their populations can fluctuate based on environmental conditions. Swamp Sparrows are often seen in mixed-species flocks during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are House Sparrows invasive in Ohio?
Yes, House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) are considered invasive in Ohio.
Q2: Do sparrows in Ohio migrate?
Some sparrows in Ohio migrate, while others are year-round residents. It depends on the species.
Q3: Are sparrows good birds to have around?
Sparrows can be beneficial for controlling insect populations, but they can also be pests in certain situations, such as agricultural settings or urban areas.
Q4: Where are sparrows most common in Ohio?
Sparrows are most commonly found in urban and suburban areas, where they have adapted well to human environments.
John William
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