Field Sparrow

The field sparrow, Spizella pusilla, is a diminutive member of the New World sparrow family Passerellidae. This bird, measuring approximately 140 mm (6 inches) in length and tipping the scales at a mere 12.5 g (0.44 ounces), is a delightful sight with its grey head adorned by a rust-coloured crown. It boasts a white eye-ring and a delicate pink bill. The upper parts are a tapestry of brown, black, and buff streaks, while the underparts transition from a buff breast to a pristine white belly. The tail, characteristically forked, adds to its charm. Observers should note the existence of two colour morphs, one presenting with a greyer hue and the other with a more rufous tone.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the field sparrow, look for the grey face with a contrasting rust-coloured crown and the distinctive white eye-ring. The pink bill is a key feature, as are the two whitish wing bars and the dark-brown, forked tail. Behind the eye, one may notice subtle rusty markings. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though males are marginally larger.

Habitat

The field sparrow favors bushy, shrubby fields across eastern North America. It is particularly fond of areas where shrubs intermingle with grasslands, providing both cover and foraging opportunities.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across eastern Canada and the eastern United States. As the seasons change, northern populations embark on a migration to the warmer climes of the southern United States and north-eastern Mexico.

Behaviour

Field sparrows are ground foragers, often seen rummaging through low vegetation in search of sustenance. They primarily consume seeds and insects and may form small flocks when not nesting. The male's territorial song, a series of melancholic whistles culminating in a trill, can be heard from elevated perches such as shrubs or fenceposts.

Song & Calls

The field sparrow's song is a poignant series of whistles that end in a trill, reminiscent of the sound of a bouncing ball slowing to a stop. This distinctive song, often lasting around 4 seconds, serves as a declaration of the male's territory.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in brushy fields, with the nest—a cup-shaped structure—strategically placed on the ground under a grass clump or within a thicket. Remarkably, the field sparrow may breed multiple times in a season, each successive nest built slightly higher off the ground as vegetation grows.

Similar Species

While the field sparrow has a distinctive appearance, birdwatchers should be aware of other sparrows with similar size and habitat preferences to avoid confusion.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the field sparrow consists mainly of seeds and insects. Their foraging habits take them to the ground or into low vegetation, where they may also join small flocks outside the breeding season.

Conservation Status

Despite a slow decline in population, the field sparrow remains a common species with an extensive range. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as "Least Concern," indicating a relatively stable status in the wild.