Sparrows, Buntings

Grasshopper Sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum

Family Emberizidae (Sparrows, Buntings)

Size: 5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Grassland with scrub

The grasshopper sparrow has a large, flattened head and a short tail. Above, it is streaked brown, white, and black, while below it is an unstreaked buff. The head is also plain buff with a darkish spot on the cheek and dark crown stripes between a light medial stripe. The sexes are similar, while juveniles show noticeable streaking across the breast and flanks. Grasshopper sparrows feed in grasses or on the ground for grasshoppers (of course!), other insects, and seeds, and may sing from a conspicuous perch a drawn out, thin, buzzy song and short chip notes. They often run when alarmed or fly in erratic, weak spurts. The adult is illustrated.