LeConte's Sparrow
Ammospiza leconteii
The LeConte's Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii) is a uncommon new world sparrow found in 3 countries, weighing about 13 g. LeConte's sparrow, also known as LeConte's bunting, is one of the smallest New World sparrow species in North America.
About the LeConte's Sparrow
LeConte's sparrow, also known as LeConte's bunting, is one of the smallest New World sparrow species in North America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
What the LeConte's Sparrow sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Bermuda.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, May, June, July, August, October, November, December, with peak activity in June. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a LeConte's Sparrow?
- LeConte's sparrow is a small sparrow with a relatively large head, short grey bill and short pointed tail. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a LeConte's Sparrow?
- The LeConte's Sparrow is a tiny sized bird weighing about 13 g.
- Where can you see a LeConte's Sparrow?
- The LeConte's Sparrow occurs in 3 countries, including the United States and Canada.
- What does a LeConte's Sparrow sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the LeConte's Sparrow on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a LeConte's Sparrow?
- The LeConte's Sparrow is most easily confused with the Saltmarsh Sparrow, the Nelson's Sparrow and the Seaside Sparrow.
- Is the LeConte's Sparrow endangered?
- The LeConte's Sparrow is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the LeConte'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.
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