Bird Guide

LeConte's Sparrow vs Nelson's Sparrow

LeConte's Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii)

LeConte's Sparrow

Ammospiza leconteii

Tiny13 gGrassland

LeConte's sparrow is a small sparrow with a relatively large head, short grey bill and short pointed tail. It has a buffy yellow-orange face with grey cheeks, and a dark brown crown with a white central stripe. The nape of the neck is lilac grey with chestnut streaks, and the back is streaked with brown and beige. Its belly is off white, while the breast and sides are a buffy orange-yellow with dark brown streaks. The feet and legs are a brownish-pink colour. Voice: The male's song resembles a grasshopper buzz with a short squeaky introductory note and ending with a short chirp. It is often described as tika-zzzzzzzzzzzz-tik while the call is a short tsip. It is most commonly confused with the song of the Nelson's sparrow.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the LeConte's Sparrow
Recorded by Beth Cottam · Song · McPail Slough, Kidder County, North Dakota, United States · CC0
Photo: Laura Erickson · CC BY 3.0
Nelson's Sparrow (Ammospiza nelsoni)

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

Small15 gWetland

Measurements: Length: 4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm) Weight: 0.6–0.7 oz (17–21 g) Wingspan: 6.5–7.9 in (16.5–20 cm) Adults have brownish upperparts with gray on the crown and nape, a cream-colored breast with light or indistinct streaking and a white throat and belly; they have an orange face with gray cheeks and a short pointed tail.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Nelson's Sparrow
Recorded by Beth Cottam · Song · McPail Slough, Kidder County, North Dakota, United States · CC0
Photo: Vicki Miller · CC0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: LeConte's Sparrow and Nelson's Sparrow.