Artemisiospiza nevadensis
adult
The Sagebrush Sparrow is an active arid-country species. The sexes are similar. Adults have a pale gray-brown back, rump, and tail, and brown wings with buff feather margins. The nape and crown are pale gray, and there is a white eyering and short white stripe in front of the eye. The cheeks are gray, and a gray malar stripe separates the white “mustache” from the white throat. The underparts are otherwise white, except for a central breast spot and faint streaking on the flanks. Juveniles are similar to an adult but more heavily streaked and duller.
The Sagebrush Sparrow is present as a breeding species in the north of its range mainly from May to August. Outside the breeding season, birds move south and the species’ winter range extends from southern U.S.A. to northern Mexico. It is often seen running along the ground, cocking its tail up as it goes, and it is sometimes seen in small flocks outside the breeding season.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6.25 in (16 cm)
FOOD Mainly seeds, with invertebrates in spring and summer
HABITAT Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats
STATUS Locally common summer visitor
VOICE Song comprises a series of grating musical phrases. Call is a thin tsip
