General

Chipping Sparrow: Medium-sized, slender sparrow with black-streaked brown back and pale gray underparts. Cap is rufous, nape is gray, throat is white, and face stripes are black-and-white. Sexes are similar. Winter adult has black-streaked brown crown. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but has streaked underparts.

Range and Habitat

Chipping Sparrow: Breeds throughout most of the continent from Yukon, Manitoba, and Newfoundland south to California, Texas, northern Florida, and Mexico. Spends winters across southern U.S. southward into Mexico. Preferred habitats include grassy woodland edges, gardens, city parks, brushy pastures, and lawns.

Listen to Call

Voice Text

"chip--chip-chip-chip-chip"

Interesting Facts

 The head pattern of the Chipping Sparrow changes in fall and winter.

 Their nest is so flimsy that light can be seen through it.

 During the breeding season, the female develops a bare patch on her abdomen that fills with fluid. This allows more efficient transfer of heat to the eggs.

 A group of Chipping Sparrows are collectively known as a "tournament" of sparrows.

Author

Gary Owen Dick

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