Chipping Sparrow

What it is

The chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a species of American sparrow, a passerine bird in the family Emberizidae. It is widespread, fairly tame, and common across most of its North American range. There are two subspecies, the eastern chipping sparrow and the western chipping sparrow. This bird is a partial migrant with northerly populations flying southwards in the fall to overwinter in Mexico and the southern United States, and flying northward again in spring. It molts...

Where and when to find it

Habitat

Found in open woodlands, parks, gardens, and suburban areas across most of the United States.

How to find it

Listen for their distinctive, rapid 'chip-chip-chip' song, which sounds like someone tapping two pebbles together. Look for them foraging on the ground or in low bushes.

Best time of day

Early morning and late afternoon, especially during breeding season.

How it lives

What it eats

Insects, grass seeds, small berries

What eats it

Hawks, snakes, cats, small mammals

Worth knowing

• They often build their nests in evergreen shrubs or small trees.
• Their rusty cap is a good way to tell them apart from other sparrows.
• The young birds don't have the rusty cap, but a streaky brown head.
• They are sometimes called 'hair birds' because they often use animal hair to line their nests.
• They are migratory in northern parts of their range, flying south for winter.
• You might see them dust-bathing in dry soil to clean their feathers.

Why it matters

Chipping Sparrows help control insect populations, especially in gardens and open areas. They are a common songbird.