About the Harris's Sparrow
Harris's sparrow is a large sparrow. Their breeding habitat is the north part of central Canada, making it Canada's only endemic breeding bird. In the winter they migrate to the Great Plains states of the United States, from southern South Dakota to central Texas. The common name of this species commemorates the American amateur ornithologist Edward Harris (1799–1863).
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This species is the largest of the sparrows in the family Passerellidae, though other superficially dissimilar species in the family may slightly exceed them in size. They range in total length from 17 to 20 cm (6.7 to 7.9 in), with a 27 cm (11 in) wingspan and weigh from 26 to 49 g (0.92 to 1.73 oz). Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 7.7 to 9.2 cm (3.0 to 3.6 in), the tail is 7.6 to 8.8 cm (3.0 to 3.5 in), the bill is 1.1 to 1.4 cm (0.43 to 0.55 in) and the tarsus is 2.2 to 2.5 cm (0.87 to 0.98 in). This is a very distinctive looking species.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Harris's Sparrow sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mexico.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Rufous-collared SparrowZonotrichia capensisThe rufous-collared sparrow is 13.5–15 cm (5+1⁄4–6 in) long and weighs 20–25 g (0.71–0.88 oz).
Golden-crowned SparrowZonotrichia atricapillaMeasuring 15–18 cm (6–7 in) in length with a wingspan of 24.75 cm (9.74 in) and ranging from 19.0 to 35.4 g (0.67 to 1.25 oz) in mass, the adult golden-crowned sparrow is fairly large for an American sparrow.
White-crowned SparrowZonotrichia leucophrysAdults have black and white stripes on their head, a gray face, brown streaked upper parts and a long tail.
Side by side: Golden-crowned Sparrow vs Harris's Sparrow · Harris's Sparrow vs Rufous-collared Sparrow · Harris's Sparrow vs White-crowned Sparrow
Learn the Harris's 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 BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.