Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

Least ConcernCommonSeedsForestCup nestTiny · 12 g

About the Chipping Sparrow

The chipping sparrow is a species of New World sparrow, a passerine bird in the family Passerellidae. It is widespread, fairly tame, and common across most of its North American range.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

Throughout the year, adults are gray below and an orangish-rust color above. Adults in alternate (breeding) plumage have a reddish cap, a nearly white supercilium, and a black trans-ocular line (running through the eye). Adults in basic (nonbreeding) plumage are less prominently marked, with a brownish cap, a dusky eyebrow, and a dark eye-line. Juvenile chipping sparrows are prominently streaked below. Like non-breeding adults, they show a dark eye-line, extending both in front of and behind the eye. The brownish cap and dusky eyebrow are variable but generally obscure in juveniles.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Chipping Sparrow sounds like

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Chipping Sparrow vs Field Sparrow

Learn the Chipping Sparrow for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

Play BeakBrain

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