Song Sparrow

The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a medium-sized member of the New World sparrow family. It is a highly abundant, variable, and adaptable bird, distinguished by its brown upperparts with dark streaks and a white underbelly with similar dark streaking. A dark brown spot often adorns the center of the breast. The bird's head features a brown cap, and its face is gray with a distinct brown streak through each eye. The tail is long and rounded. Size and coloration can vary significantly among the numerous subspecies.

Identification Tips

Adult Song Sparrows typically measure between 11 to 18 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 18 to 25.4 cm. They weigh between 11.9 to 53 g, with an average weight of 32 g. The widespread nominate subspecies (M. m. melodia) averages about 22 g. The species can live up to 11.3 years in the wild. Their eggs are brown with greenish-white spots, and females lay three to five eggs per clutch, which incubate for approximately 13–15 days.

Habitat

Song Sparrows are habitat generalists, showing a preference for brushland and marshes, including salt marshes. They are also found in human-dominated areas such as suburbs, agricultural fields, and roadsides.

Distribution

This species is found across most of Canada and the United States. Southern populations are permanent residents, while northern populations migrate to the southern United States or Mexico during winter. The Song Sparrow is a very rare vagrant to western Europe.

Behaviour

Song Sparrows forage on the ground, in shrubs, or in shallow water. They consume mainly insects and seeds, with those in salt marshes also eating small crustaceans. They nest either on the ground in a sheltered location or in trees or shrubs.

Song & Calls

The Song Sparrow's name is derived from its rich repertoire of songs, which include a series of repeated notes, isolated notes, and trills. The songs are crisp and clear, with each bird knowing up to 20 different tunes and many variations. Males use their songs to declare territory and attract females.

Breeding

Song Sparrows learn their songs from neighboring birds and often establish territories close to or replacing their tutors. Females can distinguish their mate's songs from those of other males and prefer songs of neighbors to those of strangers.

Similar Species

The Song Sparrow can be confused with Lincoln's Sparrow and Savannah Sparrow. Lincoln's Sparrow has a shorter, grayer tail and a differently-patterned head, while the Savannah Sparrow has a forked tail and yellowish flecks on the face when seen closely.

Diet and Feeding

Song Sparrows primarily eat insects and seeds. Those living in salt marshes may also consume small crustaceans.

Conservation Status

The Song Sparrow is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, certain subspecies in California are listed as Species of Special Concern due to their more restricted ranges and populations.

References

• BirdLife International (2016). "Melospiza melodia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22721058A94696727.
• "eNature: Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia". Archived from the original on 2014-04-13.
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
• CRC Handbook of Avian Body Masses by John B. Dunning Jr. (Editor). CRC Press (1992). ISBN 978-0849342585.
• Wasser, D. E.; Sherman, P. W. (2010). "Avian longevities and their interpretation under evolutionary theories of senescence". Journal of Zoology. 280 (2): 103.