Song Sparrow
Least ConcernMelospiza melodia
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Song Sparrow is a variable-sized sparrow, ranging from small to medium depending on region. It has a plump body, rounded head, and relatively short, rounded tail. Its plumage shows brown and gray streaking on the back and breast, with the breast streaks often forming a noticeable central spot. This spot can be less visible in darker birds from wet regions like Alaska.
Males and females look alike, though size and coloring vary among populations - from larger birds in Alaska to smaller ones in California. Juveniles show more pronounced streaking with less defined patterns.
Size
Length
12cm to 17cm
Wingspan
20cm to 25.5cm
Weight
12g to 53g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Black
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Song Sparrows are widely distributed across North America, from Alaska to Mexico. They inhabit a variety of environments, including woodland edges, marshes, fields, and suburban areas. These adaptable birds are particularly fond of brushy, moist habitats.
In the United States and Canada, Song Sparrows are year-round residents in many areas, with northern populations migrating south for winter.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,800 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Song Sparrow. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Song Sparrow demonstrates good agility through its ground-foraging behaviour, hopping and scratching capabilities, and ability to navigate dense brush. Their tail-pumping behaviour and capacity to manoeuvre through varied habitats shows decent aerial control, though not exceptional compared to more acrobatic species.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small passerine weighing between 12-53g, the Song Sparrow possesses modest strength. While capable of scratching for food and building nests with various materials, their physical power is proportionate to their small size. They can defend territories but aren't known for carrying heavy materials or prey.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Remarkably adaptable birds, Song Sparrows thrive across diverse habitats from sea level to 2,800m elevation, including woodlands, marshes, gardens and urban areas. Their varied diet, ability to learn multiple song variations, and some populations' capacity to drink saltwater demonstrate exceptional adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst generally peaceful, Song Sparrows show moderate aggression in defending territories and nests. Males actively establish and maintain territories through singing and occasional confrontations, but they're not notably aggressive compared to other songbirds and typically avoid conflict except during breeding season.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Song Sparrows exhibit solid endurance, maintaining territories and foraging throughout the day. Their partial migration patterns and ability to survive in various climates demonstrate decent stamina. Their capacity to produce multiple broods per season also suggests good physical resilience.
Diet
Song Sparrows have a varied diet consisting mainly of seeds and insects. They forage on the ground, eating grass and weed seeds, and supplement their diet with beetles, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates. In coastal areas, they may also consume small crustaceans.
Behaviour
Song Sparrows are known for their bold and persistent singing, often perching conspicuously on exposed branches. They forage on the ground, hopping and scratching for food.
These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs but may form small flocks during winter in some regions.
Vocalisation
The Song Sparrow's vocalizations are a defining characteristic. Their song typically begins with 3-4 clear, whistled notes followed by a buzzy trill.
It's often described as "maids-maids-maids, put-on-your-tea-kettle-ettle-ettle." Their calls include a sharp "chimp" or "tseep" when alarmed.
Nesting & Breeding
Song Sparrows typically breed from early spring through summer. Males establish territories and attract females with their melodious songs. Pairs often remain together for multiple breeding seasons.
Nests are usually built on the ground or in low shrubs, constructed of grasses, weeds, and bark strips lined with softer materials. Females lay 3-5 pale blue to greenish eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 10-12 days. Pairs often produce multiple broods per season.
Lifespan
The Song Sparrow typically lives for 2 to 4 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 11.3 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Song Sparrow is currently listed as Least Concern, some local populations face threats from habitat loss and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving diverse habitats, including wetlands and shrubby areas, which are crucial for their survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive melodious song, especially in the early morning
- Look for them in brushy areas near water or in gardens
- Observe their habit of pumping their tails while perched or flying
- In the US and Canada, they're common visitors to bird feeders
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Family:
PasserellidaePredators
Song Sparrows face predation from various animals, including domestic cats, hawks, owls, snakes, and small mammals like weasels and squirrels.
Did You Know?
- Song Sparrows can learn up to 20 different song variations.
- They're one of the most widespread and variable songbird species in North America.
- Some coastal populations have adapted to drink saltwater.
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References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Melospiza melodia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22721058A136876593.
View source - 1 4
report, 2019: Partners in Flight
- 3
website, 2019: Partners in Flight
View source