Bell's Sparrow

The Bell's sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli) is a medium-sized sparrow native to the western United States and northwestern Mexico. This bird, once classified under the genus Amphispiza, has been reassigned to its own genus, Artemisiospiza, following recent evidence.

Identification Tips

Bell's sparrow can be challenging to distinguish from the sagebrush sparrow in the field. Both species are approximately 6 inches in length and weigh around 16.5 grams. Key identification features include a darker malar stripe compared to the head, a thicker malar strip than that of the sagebrush sparrow, and minimal to no white in the tail. However, the latter may not always be a reliable marker.

Habitat

Bell's sparrows are often associated with sagebrush habitats but are also found in areas with saltbush, chamise, and other low shrubs typical of arid western landscapes.

Distribution

The species is divided into four resident populations in the west: the subspecies canescens in south-central California, the nominate subspecies belli in the California Coast Ranges and parts of the Sierra Nevada, subspecies clementeae on San Clemente Island, and subspecies cinerea in western Baja California.

Similar Species

The sagebrush sparrow is the species most similar to Bell's sparrow, with both sharing many physical characteristics. However, differences in the malar stripe and back streaking can aid in their differentiation.

Conservation status

Bell's sparrow is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. The subspecies A. b. clementeae has been listed as threatened since 1977 but has seen population growth due to conservation efforts, leading to proposals for its removal from the Endangered Species Act.