Vesper Sparrow

The Vesper Sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus, is a medium-sized sparrow, unique as the sole member of its genus. It is adorned with a pale plumage, intricately patterned with brown streaks, and is a familiar sight across the northern grasslands of North America.

Identification Tips

To identify the Vesper Sparrow, look for the distinctive white eye-ring and the white outer tail feathers that flash in flight. A subtle chestnut patch on the shoulder may be visible, though often concealed. Some individuals, particularly west of the Cascades, may exhibit a pinkish tint. Unlike some sparrows, they lack a bold eyeline.

Habitat

The Vesper Sparrow favors the open spaces of dry grasslands, sagebrush, and fields. It thrives at lower elevations, where the grass whispers with the movements of these grounded birds.

Distribution

Breeding across Canada and the northern United States, the Vesper Sparrow is a summer resident of these vast expanses. Come fall, it migrates to the southern United States and Mexico, returning north with the thaw of spring.

Behaviour

These sparrows are often seen taking dust baths or hopping about in shrub areas. They forage on the ground in small flocks outside the nesting season, their diet consisting mainly of insects and seeds.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a melodious composition, starting with repeated whistled notes and ending in a series of trills, reminiscent of the Song Sparrow's serenade. Their calls include slurred whistles with a distinctive pattern of a lower pitch followed by a higher one, and short descending trills.

Breeding

During courtship, males may be seen running with wings raised and jumping while singing. Their nests are cup-shaped and placed on the ground, with the female incubating a clutch of 3-5 eggs for about 12-13 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after at least 9 days. Two broods may be raised in a season.

Similar Species

The Vesper Sparrow can be confused with other streaked sparrows, but its white eye-ring, white outer tail feathers, and the chestnut shoulder patch are distinguishing features.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Vesper Sparrow consists primarily of insects and seeds, which they forage for on the ground. They may feed in small flocks when not nesting.

Conservation status

The Vesper Sparrow is currently listed as Least Concern, but its population has seen a decline of 30% between 1970 and 2014. Habitat loss due to agricultural practices and land development poses a significant threat to this species.