Chondestes
grammacus
(Lark Sparrow)
Physical
Description:
5 1/2-6 3/4" (14-17 cm).
Delicately marked, light-colored sparrow. Chestnut and white striped head with
a dark, thin eye stripe. buff
below with dark chest
spot; chestnut, black, and white mottled above; dark tail with white corners.
Immature has streaked breast and no chest spot.
Similar Species- Vesper Sparrow
Song:
Song
is a combination of 4-5 different trills and burry notes.
Distribution:
Breeds
from western Oregon, eastern Washington, southern British Columbia, southern
Prairie Provinces, and portions of upper Midwest, south to portions of southwestern
and southeastern U.S. Winters in southern U.S., south through Mexico, and casually
south to El Salvador.
Diet:
Feeds on seeds and insects (especially
grasshoppers).
Ecology:
gregarious. Builds cup- shaped nest,
usually in depression on ground, but may also nest in shrub or crevice in rock.
Female may engage in distraction displays. Individuals forage on ground, often
in small flocks, and are seen in flocks,
especially during winter.
initiation peaks in early
May in southern range, early June in north. Female incubates 3-6 eggs (usually 4- 5),
for about 12 days. Young leave nest at 9-10 days, and are able to fly short distances
at that time. Males may be polygynous.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBX96010 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5B |
Important
State References:
No references are available at this time.