Melospiza melodia
The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a remarkably widespread and adaptable North American bird, recognized by its characteristic streaky brown plumage and complex, varied song. Measuring 11-18 cm (4.3-7.1 inches) in length with a wingspan of 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 inches) and weighing 12-53 grams (0.4-1.9 oz), its upperparts are heavily streaked with dark brown and rufous, contrasting with white underparts featuring thick, dark brown streaking that typically coalesces into a prominent central b...
Found in a wide variety of open, brushy habitats including riparian zones, forest edges, marshes, suburban gardens, and agricultural fields, from sea level to moderate elevations up to 3,000 meters.
Their diet consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates during the breeding season, shifting to a higher proportion of seeds and small fruits during colder months, mostly foraging by scratching and gleaning on the ground.
Song Sparrows are diurnal, primarily foraging on the ground where they scratch through leaf litter for food, gleaning insects and seeds. During the breeding season, males are fiercely territorial, singing their complex, variable songs from prominent perches to defend their territory, which can ra...
The Song Sparrow boasts one of the most extensive breeding ranges among North American passerines, extending from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and across Canada, throughout the contiguous United States, and south into central Mexico. Breeding populations cover virtually all of temperate North A...
Least Concern
- The Song Sparrow has one of the largest and most complex song repertoires of any North American bird, often learning up to 20 distinct song types. - There are over 50 recognized subspecies of Song Sparrows, making it one of the most geographically variable bird species in North America. - These...