Passerculus
sandwichensis
(Savannah Sparrow)
Physical
Description:
4 1/2-5 3/4" (11-15 cm). Typical
adults sandy brown above with dusky streaks; pale central crown stripe bordered
by dark stripes; double dark mustache streaks separated by whitish area (upper
streak often joins dark ear spot and eyeline to form dark face triangle); eyebrow
pale, usually yellowish from bill to eye; white below with dusky streaks on
breast and sides; some birds have dark central breast spot. Short notched tail,
pale pink legs.
Similar Species- Lincoln's, Song, Baird's, and Vesper Sparrows
Song:
Soft tsit-tsit-tsee-tsay, last
note lower.
Distribution:
Breeds across portions of Alaska and Canada,
south to Indiana and New Jersey, and south through western U.S. and Mexico (locally)
to southwestern Guatemala. Winters from southern British Columbia, southern
Nevada, Gulf states, and Massachusetts, south to northern Honduras.
Habitat:
Found in open areas, especially grasslands,
tundra, meadows, bogs, farmlands, grassy areas with scattered bushes, and marshes.
Diet:
During summer, eats insects, spiders,
and snails. Adults feed arthropods to young. Individuals feed on seeds at other
times of year.
Ecology:
Builds cup-shaped nest on ground, frequently
under covering vegetation. Infrequently nests in loose colonies. Forages on
ground. May form small aggregations in winter.
3-6 eggs (usually 4-5),
for 12 days. Nestlings are altricial and downy. Young leave
nest about 14 days after hatching.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBX99010 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5B,N5N |
Important
State References:
No references are available at this time.