Black-throated Sparrow
Amphispiza bilineata
The Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) is a common new world sparrow found in 4 countries, weighing about 14 g. The black-throated sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows.
About the Black-throated Sparrow
The black-throated sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is found in Mexico and the United States.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-throated sparrow is about 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in) long, weighs 11 to 15 g (0.39 to 0.53 oz), and has a wingspan of about 19.5 cm (7.7 in). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults of the nominate subspecies A. b. bilineata have a black forehead, a gray crown and nape, a white supercilium and malar stripe both with thin black borders, black lores, and dark slate ear coverts. Their back and scapulars are brownish gray and their uppertail coverts mouse gray. Their tail is mostly brownish black. Voice: The black-throated sparrow's song usually has two parts, an "(1) introduction with note(s) followed by buzz and (2) repetitive section of trills (and sometimes buzzes)". One rendering is "chee-whee, whit, wher'r'r'r, cha, cha, cha, or chee cha cher'r'r'r'r chee". It apparently has few calls.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada.
When to see it
The Black-throated Sparrow can be seen all year round, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-throated Sparrow?
- The black-throated sparrow is about 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in) long, weighs 11 to 15 g (0.39 to 0.53 oz), and has a wingspan of about 19.5 cm (7.7 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-throated Sparrow?
- The Black-throated Sparrow is a tiny sized bird weighing about 14 g.
- Where can you see a Black-throated Sparrow?
- The Black-throated Sparrow occurs in 4 countries, including the United States, Mexico and St. Pierre & Miquelon.
- What birds look similar to a Black-throated Sparrow?
- The Black-throated Sparrow is most easily confused with the Grasshopper Sparrow, the Canyon Towhee and the Abert's Towhee.
- Is the Black-throated Sparrow endangered?
- The Black-throated Sparrow is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-throated Sparrow for real
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