Sparrows in Alabama offer a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the state’s birdlife. Whether you’re in the city, by the coast, or out in rural fields, sparrows can be found almost everywhere.
From the common House Sparrow, often seen hopping around suburban areas, to the elusive LeConte’s Sparrow hiding in marshy meadows, these little birds are both adaptable and varied. Their cheerful songs and busy foraging habits are a constant presence, especially during the spring and fall migrations.
For birdwatchers, Alabama is a prime spot to catch a variety of sparrow species, whether you’re strolling through grassy fields or peering into woodland edges. Each sparrow has its own unique markings and behaviors, making them a rewarding challenge to identify. In this article, I’ll tell you about the different sparrow species you can find in Alabama and offer tips on how to spot these lively little birds.
1. Song Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
- Life span: 2-7 years
- Size: 5.5-7 in / 14-18 cm
- Weight: 0.8-1.4 oz / 22-40 g
- Wingspan: 9.1-9.8 in / 23-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Common
Song Sparrows are commonly found across North America, including Alabama. Their plumage features brown streaks with a central dark spot on their breast, along with a brown crown and grayish face. These sparrows often inhabit shrubby areas and are known for their cheerful and varied songs that make them easier to spot by sound.
Song Sparrows prefer building their nests low to the ground, hidden in shrubs or tall grasses. The nest is made from grass, bark, and leaves, providing protection for their eggs, which are often bluish with brown speckles, perfectly camouflaged against predators.
Song Sparrows primarily eat seeds and insects, foraging on the ground or in low vegetation. They consume grass seeds in winter, while in spring and summer, they shift to a diet rich in insects like caterpillars and beetles to feed their growing young.
Song Sparrows are widespread and their populations remain stable, thanks to their adaptability. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse habitats. They thrive in urban, suburban, and rural environments, and efforts have ensured that these sparrows remain common across their range.
2. House Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passer domesticus
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 5.5-6.3 in / 14-16 cm
- Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz / 30-40 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in / 20-23 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
House Sparrows are widespread across urban and suburban areas globally, including Alabama. These birds are easily recognized by the males’ gray crowns, black bibs, and chestnut neck markings. Females, on the other hand, are more subdued in appearance with streaked brown plumage and pale underparts, making them blend well into their environment.
House Sparrows are opportunistic nesters, often building nests in human-made structures like eaves, streetlights, or birdhouses. They construct untidy nests with grass, feathers, and paper. House Sparrows can breed year-round in warmer areas, raising multiple broods annually.
House Sparrows primarily feed on grains and seeds, though they’re adaptable and will eat a variety of human foods. They often forage on the ground, in parks, or near homes, thriving on breadcrumbs, grains, and discarded food in urban environments.
Originally from Europe, House Sparrows were introduced to North America in the 19th century. Their population is stable, though they compete with native species. Conservation efforts focus more on controlling their numbers than protecting them, as they are considered invasive.
3. Swamp Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza georgiana
- Life span: 2-4 years
- Size: 5.5-6.3 in / 14-16 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1.2 oz / 20-35 g
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.1 in / 22-23 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Swamp Sparrows are often seen in wet, marshy habitats throughout Alabama during migration. They have a gray face and breast, a reddish-brown crown, and dark streaks on their back. Their preference for dense vegetation near water helps them stay hidden, but their sharp, high-pitched calls can give away their presence.
Swamp Sparrows build their nests near or above water, often in marshy areas. They use grasses and sedges to form a cup-shaped nest hidden in dense vegetation. Their preference for wetlands provides safety for their eggs from most predators.
Swamp Sparrows feed primarily on seeds and insects, often foraging in muddy areas. Their long legs enable them to wade into shallow water to capture insects. In winter, they rely more on seeds and plant matter found near marshes and wetlands.
Swamp Sparrows have stable populations, though habitat loss due to wetland drainage poses a threat. Conservation efforts include wetland preservation and restoration, which help maintain the species. Their dependence on marshes makes them vulnerable to environmental changes.
4. Dark-eyed Junco
- Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
- Life span: 3-7 years
- Size: 5.5-6.3 in / 14-16 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1.1 oz / 20-30 g
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in / 19-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
Dark-eyed Juncos are winter visitors in Alabama, easily identified by their slate-gray bodies and white underbellies. Their dark heads and small pinkish bills create a striking contrast. Juncos are often seen in flocks foraging on the ground in open woodlands or at the edges of forests, adding life to colder days.
Dark-eyed Juncos nest on the ground, often hidden under fallen logs or dense shrubs. Their nests are built from grasses, leaves, and moss, creating a well-camouflaged structure that blends perfectly into their forested surroundings.
Dark-eyed Juncos primarily eat seeds, especially during winter, but switch to insects like beetles and caterpillars during the breeding season. They forage on the ground, using their sharp vision to locate seeds and insects among the leaf litter.
Dark-eyed Juncos have stable populations and are one of the most common birds in North America. Their adaptability to different habitats, from forests to backyards, ensures their continued success, and they face few significant conservation threats.
5. White-throated Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
- Life span: 5-10 years
- Size: 6.3-7.5 in / 16-19 cm
- Weight: 0.9-1.3 oz / 25-38 g
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.8 in / 22-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
White-throated Sparrows, a winter visitor to Alabama, stand out with their black-and-white striped head and bright yellow patches near the eyes. Their throat is white, and the body is primarily gray with brown streaks on their wings. They often forage on the ground in wooded or brushy areas.
White-throated Sparrows nest on or near the ground, often at the base of shrubs. Their nests, made of grasses and twigs, are well-concealed in dense vegetation. They are found primarily in forests and woodland edges during the breeding season.
White-throated Sparrows primarily eat seeds, particularly in winter, and switch to insects like beetles, caterpillars, and spiders in the breeding season. They often forage on the ground, scratching at the leaf litter to uncover hidden food sources.
White-throated Sparrows are stable in population, but habitat loss threatens their breeding and wintering grounds. Conservation efforts focus on preserving forests and woodlands. Urbanization has led to some declines, but overall, their adaptability helps them thrive.
6. American Tree Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizelloides arborea
- Life span: 2-6 years
- Size: 5.9 in / 15 cm
- Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz / 18-28 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in / 20-23 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
American Tree Sparrows are rare winter visitors to Alabama, identifiable by their rufous crown, gray face, and dark spot in the center of their chest. These birds frequent open areas, such as fields and meadows, during migration. Their soft, clear calls are often the first sign of their presence in colder months.
American Tree Sparrows nest in shrubs or low vegetation, often in open areas near tundra regions. Their nests are made of grasses and lined with feathers, providing insulation against the cold temperatures in their northern breeding grounds.
American Tree Sparrows feed on seeds and insects, foraging on the ground or in low vegetation. In the winter, they primarily consume seeds from grasses and weeds, while during the breeding season, they rely on insects to feed their young.
American Tree Sparrows have stable populations, though habitat loss in their wintering grounds could pose a future threat. Conservation efforts focus on preserving open, grassy habitats and minimizing disturbance to their northern breeding areas.
7. Chipping Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella passerina
- Life span: 4-5 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 in / 12-15 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in / 20-23 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Common
Chipping Sparrows are common breeders in Alabama, often found in grassy areas or woodland edges. These slim sparrows have a bright rufous crown, grayish underparts, and a black line through the eye, which creates a sharp contrast with their pale face. Their trilling song can be heard throughout the summer months.
Chipping Sparrows prefer to nest in trees or shrubs, building small, neat cup-shaped nests made of grass and hair. They often choose locations in open woodland areas or near human habitations, where they raise multiple broods during the breeding season.
Chipping Sparrows feed mainly on seeds and insects. In the breeding season, they focus on insects like caterpillars and beetles, providing a protein-rich diet for their young. During winter, they shift to foraging for seeds from grasses and weeds.
Chipping Sparrows are widespread and common, with stable populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving open woodlands and suburban green spaces. Their adaptability to human environments has helped them thrive, making them a familiar sight in many regions.
8. Eastern Towhee
- Scientific name: Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- Life span: 6-9 years
- Size: 7.1-9.1 in / 18-23 cm
- Weight: 1.1-1.8 oz / 31-52 g
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in / 25-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
Eastern Towhees are common breeders in Alabama, often spotted in dense underbrush and forest edges. Males have striking black upperparts, a white belly, and rusty sides, while females are a warm brown. Their distinct “drink-your-tea” call is a familiar sound in woodlands and overgrown fields throughout the region.
Eastern Towhees build their nests on or near the ground, hidden in dense shrubs or thickets. The nest is constructed from leaves and grasses, blending well into the undergrowth, providing protection for their young from predators.
Eastern Towhees feed on seeds, fruits, and insects, foraging by scratching the leaf litter with their feet. In the breeding season, they focus on insects to provide protein for their chicks, while in winter, they rely more on seeds and fruits.
Eastern Towhees are common, but habitat loss from urban development has impacted some populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving forest edges and shrubland habitats. Their adaptability helps them remain widespread despite ongoing habitat changes.
9. Savannah Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passerculus sandwichensis
- Life span: 3-7 years
- Size: 5.5-6.7 in / 14-17 cm
- Weight: 0.5-0.9 oz / 14-26 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.4 in / 20-24 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Common
Savannah Sparrows are widespread in grassy fields and open areas across Alabama. They are small, streaky brown birds with a distinctive yellow patch above their eyes. These sparrows are typically seen perched low to the ground or walking through grassy patches, blending into their surroundings with their streaked plumage.
Savannah Sparrows nest on the ground, hidden in tall grasses. The nest is a simple cup made of grass and lined with finer materials. They prefer open habitats like fields and meadows, where their nests blend in with the surrounding vegetation.
Savannah Sparrows primarily eat seeds and insects. During breeding season, they consume insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, while in winter, they rely on grass seeds. Their foraging style involves walking through grasses to locate food on the ground.
Savannah Sparrows have a wide range, and their population is stable. Conservation efforts focus on preserving grassland habitats. Agricultural expansion and habitat destruction have impacted some local populations, but overall, they are not considered at risk.
10. Grasshopper Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammodramus savannarum
- Life span: 2-4 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.9 in / 16-20 cm
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Breeding and Rare
Grasshopper Sparrows, uncommon breeders in Alabama, are small, flat-headed sparrows with a distinct orange spot near their eye and subtle streaks on their back. They are usually found in grasslands and open fields, where their cryptic plumage helps them blend into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot.
Grasshopper Sparrows build their nests on the ground, hidden in tall grass. Their nests are often domed and well-camouflaged, protecting their young from predators. They prefer open habitats like prairies and fields, where their nests remain concealed.
Grasshopper Sparrows primarily eat insects, especially grasshoppers, which give them their name. During the breeding season, they hunt insects to feed their young, while in winter, they rely on seeds found in their grassy habitats.
Grasshopper Sparrows are declining in many areas due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts focus on preserving native grasslands and promoting sustainable farming practices to ensure the survival of these unique sparrows.
11. Henslow’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammodramus henslowii
- Life span: 1-3 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 in / 17-20 cm
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Breeding and rare
Henslow’s Sparrows are rare breeders in Alabama, inhabiting grasslands and open fields. These sparrows have olive-coloured heads, with fine streaking across their chest and back. Their flat-headed appearance and preference for thick, grassy habitats make them difficult to spot, but their short, insect-like song can give them away.
Henslow’s Sparrows build their nests on the ground, hidden in dense grasses. Their nests are well-camouflaged, protecting their young from predators. They prefer tallgrass prairies and fields, where their elusive nature makes them difficult to detect.
Henslow’s Sparrows primarily eat insects during the breeding season, focusing on grasshoppers, beetles, and other invertebrates. In winter, they shift to a diet of seeds, foraging in their grassy habitats for nourishment during the colder months.
Henslow’s Sparrows are considered threatened due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on preserving native prairies and grasslands. Restoring tallgrass ecosystems through controlled burns and sustainable land management is essential to their long-term survival.
12. Vesper Sparrow
- Scientific name: Pooecetes gramineus
- Life span: 2-5 years
- Size: 5.9 in / 15 cm
- Weight: 5.9 in / 15 cm
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.8 in / 22-25 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Uncommon
The Vesper Sparrow is typically found in open grassy fields across Alabama. It is a pale brown bird with streaks on its back and a noticeable white eye-ring. They are often spotted singing from fence posts or other elevated perches in rural areas, making them a pleasant sight in open country landscapes.
Vesper Sparrows build ground nests, hidden among grass and low vegetation. The nest is a simple cup of grasses and twigs, often located in open fields or prairies. They are known for their unobtrusive nesting behavior, making them difficult to detect.
Vesper Sparrows primarily eat seeds and insects, foraging on the ground. During the breeding season, they focus on insects like grasshoppers and beetles, while in winter, they switch to seeds from grasses and weeds commonly found in their open habitats.
Vesper Sparrows are declining in some areas due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts include preserving native grasslands and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Restoring prairies and open fields is crucial to maintaining their population.
13. Lark Sparrow
- Scientific name: Chondestes grammacus
- Life span: 4-6 years
- Size: 5.9-6.7 in / 15-17 cm
- Weight: 0.7-1.1 oz / 20-31 g
- Wingspan: 9.1-10.2 in / 23-26 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Uncommon
Lark Sparrows, uncommon breeders in northern Alabama, are easily recognized by their striking facial pattern, featuring bold black, chestnut, and white stripes. Their bodies are streaked brown, and they have a long tail with white edges. They prefer open habitats, such as grasslands or sparsely wooded areas, where they can be spotted.
Lark Sparrows nest on the ground or in low vegetation, often in open fields or grasslands. Their nests are made from grasses and twigs, hidden in tall vegetation to protect their eggs from predators. They are often seen nesting in more arid regions.
Lark Sparrows feed on seeds and insects, foraging on the ground in open fields. During the breeding season, they consume insects like grasshoppers, while in winter, they rely on seeds from grasses and weeds commonly found in their habitat.
Lark Sparrows are uncommon in Alabama, with declining populations in some areas due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on preserving open grasslands and arid habitats. Efforts to restore native prairies have helped stabilize some populations.
14. White-crowned Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Life span: 6-13 years
- Size: 6.7-7.9 in / 17-20 cm
- Weight: 0.9-1.4 oz / 26-40 g
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in / 25-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
White-crowned Sparrows are migratory birds seen in Alabama during the winter months. They are easily recognizable due to the striking black and white stripes on their head. Their plumage is a mix of gray and brown, with a long tail, and they are typically found in brushy or shrubby areas during their seasonal visits.
White-crowned Sparrows nest on the ground or in low shrubs, creating a well-hidden cup of grasses and bark. Their nests are often built in dense, brushy areas, offering protection from predators and providing a safe place to raise their young.
White-crowned Sparrows eat a variety of seeds and insects, foraging on the ground. They are especially fond of grass seeds in winter and shift to insects like beetles and caterpillars during the breeding season, ensuring a protein-rich diet for their chicks.
White-crowned Sparrows have healthy populations, with stable numbers across their range. Their ability to thrive in diverse habitats has helped them avoid significant declines, though conservation efforts focus on protecting their wintering grounds from habitat degradation.
15. Lincoln’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza lincolnii
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 in / 12-15 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in / 18-20 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Uncommon
Lincoln’s Sparrows are often seen in Alabama during migration, typically in wet meadows and thickets. They are medium-sized with fine streaks across their buff-coloured breast and a grayish face with brown streaks. Their subtle appearance and secretive nature make them more challenging to observe, but their distinct song is a helpful clue.
Lincoln’s Sparrows nest in dense vegetation, often near wetlands or moist meadows. Their nests are well-hidden on the ground or in low shrubs, made from grass and bark. The dense habitat provides shelter for their eggs from predators.
Lincoln’s Sparrows feed on seeds and insects, foraging in dense grasses. Insects make up a large portion of their diet during breeding season, while in winter, they rely on seeds from grasses and weeds found in their wetland habitats.
Lincoln’s Sparrows are not considered endangered, but habitat loss from wetland destruction poses a threat. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding and wintering habitats. Their preference for wetland areas makes them vulnerable to environmental changes.
16. Fox Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passerella iliaca
- Life span: 3-6 years
- Size: 6.7-7.9 in / 17-20 cm
- Weight: 1.4-1.8 oz / 40-52 g
- Wingspan: 10.2-11.8 in / 26-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Uncommon
Fox Sparrows, seen in Alabama during winter, are large and robust with a striking reddish-brown coloring. They are heavily streaked across the breast and flanks, giving them a distinct appearance. These birds prefer dense thickets and are often spotted scratching in the leaf litter, searching for food in forested areas.
Fox Sparrows nest on or near the ground in dense shrubs or thickets, building sturdy nests from grasses and twigs. These nests are well-hidden, providing protection for their young from predators in forested and brushy habitats.
Fox Sparrows feed on seeds and insects, foraging by scratching the leaf litter with their feet. In spring and summer, they consume insects like beetles and caterpillars, while in winter, they rely on seeds from grasses, shrubs, and weeds.
Fox Sparrows have stable populations, but habitat loss in breeding and wintering areas can pose a threat. Conservation efforts focus on preserving forested and shrubland habitats to ensure that their populations remain healthy and abundant.
17. LeConte’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammospiza leconteii
- Life span: 2-3 years
- Size: 4.3-5.1 in / 11-13 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 5.9-6.7 in / 15-17 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
LeConte’s Sparrows are rare migratory visitors to Alabama, often found in marshy or boggy areas. Their plumage is a mix of orange-brown with dark streaks and a buffy face. These secretive birds prefer to stay hidden in tall grasses, making them difficult to see, though their distinctive calls reveal their presence.
LeConte’s Sparrows build their nests on the ground, hidden in thick grasses. These well-camouflaged nests are difficult to spot, providing protection from predators. They prefer wet meadows and marshes, where their elusive nature keeps them hidden.
LeConte’s Sparrows primarily eat insects during the breeding season, focusing on grasshoppers and other small invertebrates. In winter, they shift to seeds, foraging in the tall grasses where they blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
LeConte’s Sparrows are considered rare, with populations declining due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetlands and tallgrass prairies. Their dependence on specific habitats makes them vulnerable to environmental changes and human activity.
18. Field Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella pusilla
- Life span: 4-6 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in / 19-22 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
Field Sparrows are common in Alabama, especially in brushy fields and overgrown areas. They are small, with a pink bill, pale gray face, and a rufous crown. Their back is streaked brown, which blends well with their grassy habitats. Their clear, bouncing-ball-like song is a signature sound of open country spaces.
Field Sparrows build their nests in low shrubs or on the ground, hidden in tall grasses. Their nests are small cups made of grass and lined with fine materials. These birds prefer open fields and brushy areas, where their nests remain concealed.
Field Sparrows primarily eat seeds, foraging on the ground in open fields. During the breeding season, they shift to a diet of insects, which provide the protein necessary for raising their young. Grasshoppers and beetles are among their favorite prey.
Field Sparrows have experienced population declines due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts focus on preserving open fields and brushy habitats. Restoring native prairies and grasslands has been key to stabilizing their populations.
19. Bachman’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Peucaea aestivalis
- Life span: 5-6 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.5-0.8 oz / 14-22 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 in / 20-22 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
Bachman’s Sparrows, rare breeders in Alabama, are found primarily in pine forests and grassy clearings. These medium-sized sparrows are brown with a rusty crown and gray face, making them well-camouflaged in their preferred habitats. Known for their beautiful, melodious song, they are often heard before they are seen.
Bachman’s Sparrows prefer to nest on the ground in grassy clearings near pine forests. Their nests are well-concealed in tall grasses, providing protection from predators. They are known for their elusive nesting habits, making them challenging to spot.
Bachman’s Sparrows feed on seeds and insects, foraging on the ground in grassy areas. During the breeding season, they focus on catching insects like grasshoppers and beetles, which provide the necessary nutrition for their growing young.
Bachman’s Sparrows are considered a species of concern due to habitat loss from forest clearing. Conservation efforts focus on preserving pine forests and grassy clearings, which are vital for their survival, and promoting controlled burns to maintain their habitat.
20. Seaside Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammospiza maritima
- Life span: 2-3 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz / 15-20 g
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in / 18-20 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and Uncommon
Seaside Sparrows, uncommon breeders in coastal Alabama, are primarily found in salt marshes. They have grayish plumage with dark streaks and a yellow spot in front of their eyes. These sparrows are well adapted to life near the coast, often seen perched on low vegetation or foraging among the marsh grasses.
Seaside Sparrows nest in salt marshes, building their nests low in the vegetation, often above the high-tide line. Their nests are constructed from grasses and provide shelter from tidal waters, making them uniquely adapted to coastal environments.
Seaside Sparrows feed primarily on insects and small invertebrates, often foraging in the mud or among marsh grasses. Their long legs allow them to wade into shallow water, where they capture prey like crabs, snails, and small fish.
Seaside Sparrows are vulnerable to habitat loss due to coastal development and rising sea levels. Conservation efforts focus on preserving salt marshes and mitigating the effects of climate change to ensure the survival of these unique coastal sparrows.
21. Nelson’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammospiza nelsoni
- Life span: 2-3 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 in / 12-14 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz / 12-18 g
- Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 in / 17-19 cm
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Migratory and rare
Nelson’s Sparrow, a bird of North American marshes, particularly along the Atlantic Coast and the northern Midwest, blends perfectly with its habitat. Its orange-buff breast and face, with a subtle gray crown and streaked back, make it difficult to spot in the marsh reeds.
Nelson’s Sparrows construct their nests just above the water line in dense marsh vegetation. These intricately woven nests, a blend of grasses and sedges, are a testament to the bird’s resilience and adaptability to the marshy terrain.
Their diet primarily consists of small invertebrates and seeds, a reflection of the rich marsh ecosystem they inhabit. Their foraging style, often hidden among the reeds, mirrors their secretive nature.
Nelson’s Sparrows are vulnerable due to their specialized marsh habitat. Conservation in Georgia focuses on protecting and restoring coastal and freshwater marshes, essential for the survival of these elusive sparrows.
Where to find Sparrows in Alabama
If you’re looking to spot sparrows in Alabama, the state’s diverse landscapes offer plenty of opportunities. From grassy fields to wetlands and even urban parks, sparrows can be found in various habitats throughout the year. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to catch them in action, as they’re often foraging on the ground or flitting through shrubs. Bring a pair of binoculars and listen for their distinctive songs to help guide you toward the best viewing spots.
Here are four great areas to explore for sparrows:
- Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: This vast wetland habitat is home to many sparrow species during migration, such as the Swamp Sparrow and Song Sparrow.
- Oak Mountain State Park: In the open fields and forest edges, you can easily find Chipping Sparrows and Field Sparrows.
- Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge: Perfect for spotting Savannah Sparrows and Grasshopper Sparrows in the grasslands, along with other migratory birds.
- Monte Sano State Park: The wooded areas and meadows of this park are ideal for finding Eastern Towhees and other sparrow species.
Wherever you go, patience and quiet observation will reward you with sightings of these little birds, they get scared easily.
Conclusion
Sparrows in Alabama offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s diverse habitats, from grasslands to wetlands and urban spaces. Their adaptability and unique behaviors make them a joy to observe. By preserving their environments, we ensure these resilient, small birds continue to thrive for future generations to enjoy.
