Chondestes grammacus
adult
The Lark Sparrow is a strikingly marked sparrow. The sexes are similar. Adults have a streaked gray-brown back, and brown wings with indistinct pale wingbars. The head pattern comprises a chestnut crown with a pale central stripe, a white supercilium and eyering, dark-framed chestnut ear coverts, and a black malar stripe that separates the white “mustache” and throat. The underparts are otherwise whitish, washed gray on the chest and with a dark central breast spot. Juveniles are similar to an adult but duller and more streaked; by their first winter they more closely resemble an adult.
The Lark Sparrow is present as a breeding species across much of central and western North America, mainly from April to August. Outside the breeding season, birds head south and the winter range extends from southern U.S.A. (where the species is present year-round in places) to Mexico. Outside the breeding season they form large flocks that feed in the open, making them easy to observe.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6.5 in (16.5 cm)
FOOD Mainly seeds, with invertebrates in spring and summer
HABITAT Grassland and prairies with scattered bushes
STATUS Locally common summer visitor
VOICE Song starts with two piping notes, followed by trills, buzzing phrases, and whistles. Call is a thin tsik
