Sparrows, Buntings

Savannah Sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis

Family Emberizidae (Sparrows, Buntings)

Size: 5.5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: A wide variety of open spaces, including grassy fields, meadows, coastal dunes, croplands, and roadsides

The Savannah sparrow is a widespread, common, crisply streaked sparrow with pinkish legs and a relatively short, notched tail. There is much geographical variation in terms of color and darkness of streaking. In general, the upperparts are gray brown to reddish brown and heavily streaked with black. The underparts are white with a pale-brown wash along the sides as well as extensive dark streaking on the sides and breast that often meets to form a loose spot at the center of the breast. The head is brown to gray with a darker crown, eye stripe, and malar stripe, and has a yellowish loreal patch. Savannah sparrows feed by walking or hopping along the ground for insects and seeds. Their song consists of a few dry, high notes followed by a longer trill. The adult is illustrated.