SPARROWS, BUNTINGS

Chipping Sparrow, Spizella passerina

Family Emberizidae (Sparrows, Buntings)

Size: 5.5"

Season: Year-round

Habitat: Dry fields, woodland edges, gardens

The Chipping Sparrow is a medium-size sparrow with a slightly notched tail and a rounded crest. It is barred black and brown on the upperparts, with a gray rump, and is pale gray below. The head has a rufous crown, white superciliary stripes, dark eye-lines, and white throat. The bill is short, conical, and pointed. The sexes are similar, and winter adults are duller and lack the rufous color on the crown. Chipping Sparrows feed in trees or on open ground in loose flocks, searching for seeds and insects. The voice is a rapid, staccato chipping sound. The breeding adult is illustrated.