Field Sparrow

Scientific Name: Spizella pusilla

Classification: Order: Passeriformes, Family: Passerellidae

A small, slender sparrow known for its sweet, accelerating whistle and distinct pink bill. It is frequently seen in brushy old fields and pastures.

Region of Origin: North America (Eastern and Central regions)
Typical Sighting Period: Year-round in the southern US; primarily spring and summer in the northern US and southern Canada
Plumage Details: Adults have a bright rufous crown, a white eye-ring, and a pale pink bill. The face and breast are greyish, lacking a central spot. Two white wing bars are visible. Juveniles are streakier and lack the solid reddish crown.
Ecological Significance: Contributes to seed dispersal and controls insect populations during the breeding season. It serves as prey for various small hawks and snakes.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN), though populations have experienced a slow decline due to loss of brushy habitat.
Observation Tips: Look for them in overgrown fields or at the edges of woodlands. They are more easily identified by their unique 'bouncing ball' song during the spring.

Length: 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 in), Wingspan: 20 cm (7.9 in), Weight: 11-15 g

Primarily seeds from grasses and weeds. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects such as grasshoppers and caterpillars.

Old fields, overgrown pastures, scrubby edges, and power-line rights-of-way with scattered shrubs.

Partial migrant; northern populations move to the southern United States and northeastern Mexico for winter.

A series of clear, sweet whistles that accelerate in tempo, resembling a bouncing ball coming to rest.

Builds an open-cup nest of grass on or near the ground in spring, moving higher into shrubs as the season progresses and foliage thickens.

Small size, distinct pink bill, white eye-ring, rufous crown, and unstreaked greyish-buff breast.

American Tree Sparrow (larger, dark bicolored bill, breast spot) and Chipping Sparrow (bold black eyeline, black bill).

Unlike many other sparrows, the Field Sparrow is rarely found in urban gardens, strictly preferring rural, brushy 'old field' habitats.