ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Savannah Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow

Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery

Sparrows are small brownish birds that may seem impossible to distinguish to a beginning bird watcher. But by observing head and breast patterns, habitats, and season of occurrence, sparrow identification is relatively easy. They are ground-feeding seed eaters. Sexes are basically the same.

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Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 12-13 days

• Clutch Size: 3-6 eggs

• Young Fledge: 7-10 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: seeds and insects

Description
Savannah sparrows have brown upperparts and white underparts, both with dark streaks. The supercilium, or eyebrow, is yellowish. The legs are pinkish and the tail is short and forked.

Habitat and Habits
First discovered in Georgia, and named for the city where it was found, Savannah sparrows are inconspicuous residents of wide-open landscapes. They inhabit hay and alfalfa fields, grassy fields of airports, and reclaimed strip mines. Their buzzy, two-pitched trilling song is distinctive and is by far the best way to become aware of their presence. This pleasing song is a regular feature of movie and commercial soundtracks.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
These grassland sparrows nest on the ground in a cup made of grass and other available materials.