17 Sparrows in Tennessee (With Pictures)

17 Sparrows in Tennessee (With Pictures)

Tennessee offers a delightful experience for bird enthusiasts, especially when it comes to sparrows. These small, charismatic birds bring a lively energy to the state’s varied landscapes. The Eastern Towhee, with its striking black and reddish feathers, and the Song Sparrow, known for its beautiful melodies, are just two of the many sparrow species that can be spotted here. Sparrows thrive in diverse habitats, from urban gardens and rural fields to forest edges and wetlands. This variety makes every birdwatching trip a new adventure.

As the seasons change, so do the sparrow populations, with some species making Tennessee their home year-round and others passing through during migration. This ever-changing avian population adds to the richness of Tennessee’s natural beauty, offering birdwatchers endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a casual observer, the sparrows of Tennessee will surely enchant you.

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: Breeding and common

Song Sparrows are widespread across North America, with a notable presence in Tennessee. They are brown-streaked birds with a distinctive central spot on their white breast. Their faces are marked with a mix of brown and gray, and they have a long, rounded tail.

Known for their persistent and melodious songs, these sparrows can be found in a variety of open, shrubby, and wet areas, often seen perched on low shrubs singing. They are a common year-round resident in Tennessee, especially in the eastern part of the state.

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrows are adaptable nesters, often choosing locations close to the ground, in shrubs, or even in man-made structures. Their nests are open cups made of grasses, leaves, and bark, lined with fine grasses and animal hair. Females primarily build the nests and incubate the eggs, while males defend the territory. They may raise multiple broods each year, particularly in warmer climates, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.

Song Sparrows have a varied diet that changes with the seasons. In the spring and summer, they primarily consume insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, providing essential protein for their young. In fall and winter, their diet shifts to seeds and fruits, including buckwheat, sunflower seeds, and berries.

Song Sparrows are widespread and generally common, but they face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts include preserving wetland and riparian habitats and promoting bird-friendly agricultural practices. Programs aimed at controlling invasive species and protecting native vegetation also support Song Sparrow populations. Their adaptability to various habitats, including urban areas, has helped maintain their numbers, but ongoing conservation work remains vital.

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 an introduced species in North America, now common across urban and suburban areas, including Tennessee. Males are easily identified by their gray heads, white cheeks, and distinctive black bib, while females are browner with a dull eye stripe.

These birds are highly adaptable and thrive in proximity to human habitation. They are non-migratory and can be seen throughout the year, often in large, noisy flocks.

House Sparrow

House Sparrows are highly adaptable nesters, often utilizing human structures such as buildings, eaves, and nest boxes. Their nests are bulky and made of a variety of materials, including grasses, feathers, and paper scraps. They are known to be aggressive competitors for nesting sites, often displacing native bird species. House Sparrows can raise multiple broods each year, which contributes to their widespread presence.

House Sparrows have a varied diet that includes grains, seeds, and insects. They are opportunistic feeders and can often be seen scavenging for food in urban areas. In agricultural regions, they consume a significant amount of grain, which sometimes brings them into conflict with farmers.

As an introduced species in North America, House Sparrows have a mixed conservation status. While they are not endangered, their presence has negatively impacted native bird populations. Conservation efforts focus on managing their populations to protect native species. This includes installing nest boxes designed to exclude House Sparrows and promoting habitat restoration projects that favor native birds.

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, as their name suggests, are residents of marshes, wetlands, and bogs. In Tennessee, they are common during the fall and winter months. These birds have gray faces and napes, rust-coloured caps, and backs with rich brown tones. Their wings are also brown, and they have a yellowish lower bill. Swamp Sparrows are more often heard than seen, with their habitat preferences keeping them hidden in dense vegetation.

Swamp Sparrow

Swamp Sparrows build their nests in dense, wet vegetation, often near water. The nests are typically low to the ground or over shallow water, constructed from grasses and sedges, and lined with finer materials. These locations provide protection from predators and concealment. Swamp Sparrows are meticulous nest builders, and the female usually lays four to five eggs, which she incubates alone.

Swamp Sparrows have a diet that includes insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates during the breeding season. They forage in wetland areas, often gleaning food from the surface of the water or vegetation. In the winter, they shift to eating seeds from grasses and sedges. Their diet reflects their wetland habitats, with a preference for moist, marshy areas rich in food resources.

Swamp Sparrows benefit from conservation efforts aimed at protecting wetland habitats. These efforts include wetland restoration projects, controlling invasive plant species, and maintaining water quality. Conservationists work to ensure that these habitats remain intact and healthy, providing essential breeding and feeding grounds for Swamp Sparrows.

4. 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 are common winter visitors in Tennessee. They are easily recognized by their bright white throats, yellow lores, and black-and-white striped heads. Their backs are brown with darker streaks, and their underparts are gray. These sparrows prefer brushy edges, thickets, and woodland areas, often seen scratching the ground for seeds. Their clear, whistled song is a familiar sound in winter habitats.

White-throated Sparrow

White-Throated Sparrows nest in dense shrubbery or forest edges, typically close to the ground. They construct their nests from twigs, grass, and leaves, lining them with finer materials. The female builds the nest and lays three to five eggs. The nests are well-hidden within the dense vegetation, providing protection from predators and harsh weather conditions, ensuring the safety of the young.

The diet of the White-Throated Sparrow is varied, including seeds, fruits, and insects. During the breeding season, they consume more insects like beetles, caterpillars, and spiders to nourish their young. In winter, their diet shifts to seeds from grasses and weeds, as well as berries. Their adaptable foraging habits allow them to thrive in different environments and seasons, ensuring a steady food supply.

White-Throated Sparrows are generally abundant, but habitat loss and fragmentation pose threats. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their breeding and wintering habitats, and conducting long-term population monitoring. Historical trends indicate stable populations, but localized declines highlight the need for ongoing conservation measures.

5. 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 small, slender birds with a rusty cap, black eye line, and grayish underparts. Their backs are streaked with brown and black. These birds are commonly found throughout North America, including Tennessee, where they are more prevalent during the breeding season from March to August.

In winter, their colours become more subdued. Chipping Sparrows frequent open woods, parks, and gardens, often seen foraging on the ground in small flocks.

Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrows are known for their preference for nesting in trees and shrubs, often near human habitation. Their nests are loosely constructed cups made of grasses, rootlets, and animal hair, typically placed at a height that provides protection from ground predators. The female is primarily responsible for building the nest and incubating the eggs, while both parents share the responsibility of feeding the young once they hatch.

Chipping Sparrows primarily consume seeds and insects. During the breeding season, they shift their diet to include more insects like caterpillars and beetles, which are crucial for feeding their young. In the fall and winter, they rely more heavily on seeds, including those from grasses and weeds. Their foraging behavior often includes hopping on the ground and in low vegetation to find food.

Chipping Sparrows have benefitted from their adaptability to a variety of habitats, including suburban and urban areas. However, they face challenges from habitat loss and changes in land use. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting bird-friendly landscaping practices. Encouraging the planting of native shrubs and grasses can provide essential food and nesting sites for these sparrows, supporting their populations.

6. 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

The Eastern Towhee is a striking bird found throughout the southeastern United States, including Tennessee. Males are easily recognizable with their black heads, backs, and tails, complemented by white bellies and reddish-brown sides. Females are similarly patterned but have brown where the males are black.

These birds are often heard before they are seen, as their call sounds like “drink your teeea!” They thrive in dense underbrush and woodland edges, making them a common sight in suitable habitats year-round in Tennessee.

Eastern Towhee

Eastern Towhees typically nest on or near the ground, often hidden in dense shrubs or underbrush. The nest is built by the female and is made of twigs, grass, and leaves, lined with softer materials. This ground-level nest location helps protect their young from predators, while the dense foliage provides cover. The female lays up to six eggs, which she incubates for about two weeks, with both parents sharing feeding duties once the chicks hatch.

Eastern Towhees have a diverse diet that includes insects, seeds, and fruits. They are known to scratch at the ground with both feet to uncover food, a behavior that is quite characteristic. During the breeding season, they primarily feed on insects like beetles and caterpillars, which provide necessary protein for their growing young. In winter, they shift to a diet of seeds and berries, foraging on the ground or in low bushes.

The Eastern Towhee has faced population declines due to habitat loss from urban development and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring their preferred habitats, such as dense underbrush and forest edges. Maintaining these natural areas is crucial for their breeding success.

Additionally, public awareness campaigns and habitat management practices help protect these vibrant birds, ensuring their presence in Tennessee’s ecosystems for years to come.

7. 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

The Field Sparrow is a small, slender bird with a distinctive pink bill, gray face, and rusty cap, found across the eastern United States. In Tennessee, they are present throughout the year. Their backs are streaked with brown, while their underparts are pale gray.

Field Sparrows are often heard before they are seen, with their song resembling a bouncing ball. They prefer open fields and grasslands, often nesting on the ground or low in shrubs.

Field Sparrow

Field Sparrows prefer open habitats like grasslands and fields for nesting. Their nests are typically built low in shrubs or directly on the ground. The nest, constructed by the female, is a neat cup made of grasses and lined with finer materials. Field Sparrows often choose abandoned fields or pastures, where they can remain hidden from predators. The female lays three to five eggs per clutch, and both parents participate in feeding the chicks.

Field Sparrows primarily feed on seeds and insects. In the breeding season, they focus on insects like beetles and grasshoppers to provide necessary protein for their young. During the winter months, their diet consists mainly of grass and weed seeds. They forage on the ground, often in flocks, and their diet flexibility helps them survive in varied habitats throughout the year.

Field Sparrow populations have declined due to habitat loss from agricultural practices and suburban development. Conservation efforts include protecting and restoring grassland habitats and implementing controlled burns to maintain open fields. These measures help create suitable nesting and foraging environments for Field Sparrows.

8. 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 Sparrows are small, elusive birds that are rare in Tennessee, mostly seen during migration. They have a distinctive yellow-orange wash on their face and chest, with a gray nape and streaky brown back. Their appearance is marked by a sharp dark eyeline. Nelson’s Sparrows inhabit marshes and wet meadows during their brief stopovers, making sightings in Tennessee a special treat for birdwatchers.

Nelson’s Sparrow

Nelson’s Sparrows nest in wet, grassy habitats such as marshes and wet meadows. Their nests are well-concealed cups built among dense vegetation, often over water. The nests are made of grasses and sedges, providing insulation and protection from predators. These sparrows are known for their secretive nesting habits, making them difficult to observe during the breeding season.

Nelson’s Sparrows feed primarily on insects and small invertebrates during the breeding season. They forage in wetland areas, probing the ground and vegetation for food. In the winter, their diet shifts to include seeds and grains. Their feeding habits are well-adapted to their marshy habitats, where they can find a plentiful supply of food throughout the year.

Nelson’s Sparrows face threats from habitat loss due to wetland drainage and development. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats to ensure their survival. Monitoring programs track population trends and inform conservation strategies.

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: Breeding and common

Savannah Sparrows are small, streaky brown birds with a distinct yellowish eyebrow and a slightly notched tail. They are found across North America and are common in Tennessee during migration and winter. These birds prefer open fields, grasslands, and agricultural areas. Savannah Sparrows are often seen perched on fences or foraging on the ground, blending well with their grassy habitats.

Savannah Sparrow

Savannah Sparrows prefer open grassy areas for nesting, including meadows, prairies, and coastal marshes. They build their nests on the ground, often hidden among dense vegetation. The female weaves the nest from grasses and lines it with finer materials. Typically, they lay three to five eggs, which are incubated for about 12 days. The placement of their nests in thick grass helps protect the young from predators.

The Savannah Sparrow’s diet is mainly composed of seeds and insects. During the breeding season, they consume a higher proportion of insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders, providing essential protein for their growing chicks. In the winter, their diet shifts more towards seeds from grasses and weeds.

Savannah Sparrows are relatively abundant, but they face threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly in grassland areas. Conservation initiatives aim to protect and restore these habitats, ensuring they remain suitable for breeding and foraging.

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 common

Grasshopper Sparrows are small, unobtrusive birds with a pale, unstreaked belly, a flat head, and a short tail. They have a distinctive yellow mark above their eye and a brown back with fine streaks. In Tennessee, they are common breeders, preferring open grasslands and prairies.

Their name comes from their insect-like song, which can often be heard in their preferred habitats during the breeding season.

Grasshopper Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrows prefer open grasslands and prairies for nesting. They build their nests on the ground, often in a small depression, concealed by grasses. The female constructs the nest using grass stems and lines it with finer materials. A typical clutch contains four to five eggs. The nests are well-hidden to protect from predators, with the surrounding vegetation providing additional camouflage.

Grasshopper Sparrows are aptly named for their diet, which heavily features grasshoppers and other insects during the breeding season. They also consume seeds from grasses and weeds, especially during the non-breeding season. Their foraging habits involve searching through the grass and soil for insects and seeds, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt their diet based on seasonal availability.

Grasshopper Sparrows have been impacted by habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore grassland habitats, implement sustainable land-use practices, and monitor populations. Historically, these sparrows were more widespread, but their numbers have declined in many areas. Continued conservation work is crucial to prevent further declines and support population recovery.

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 small, olive-coloured birds with finely streaked chests and flat heads. They have a distinct short tail and a greenish tinge to their plumage. In Tennessee, they are rare breeders, found in grasslands and fields with dense vegetation. Their song is a simple, insect-like trill. Spotting a Henslow’s Sparrow requires patience and a keen ear, as they often remain hidden in thick grass.

Henslow’s Sparrow

Henslow’s Sparrows nest in tall grasslands and prairies, often in areas with dense vegetation. They build their nests on the ground, concealed by thick grasses. The female constructs the nest using grass stems and lines it with finer materials. A typical clutch contains three to five eggs. Their nests are well-hidden to protect from predators and provide a stable microenvironment for the eggs and chicks.

Henslow’s Sparrows primarily eat insects and seeds. During the breeding season, their diet consists mainly of insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, which are vital for chick development. In the non-breeding season, they consume seeds from grasses and weeds. Their foraging strategy involves searching through dense grass for insects and seeds, reflecting their preference for tall, undisturbed grasslands.

Henslow’s Sparrows have experienced significant population declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring grassland habitats, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and monitoring populations. Historically, these sparrows were more widespread, but their dependence on specific habitats makes them vulnerable.

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 rare

Vesper Sparrows are rare in Tennessee, characterized by their streaked brown plumage, white outer tail feathers, and a distinctive white eye ring. They prefer open, grassy habitats and are more often seen during migration. Their name comes from their habit of singing in the evening. Spotting a Vesper Sparrow in Tennessee is a special event for bird enthusiasts, given their relative rarity in the state.

Vesper Sparrow

Vesper Sparrows choose open fields and grasslands for nesting, constructing their nests on the ground, often at the base of a tuft of grass or a small shrub. The female builds the nest from coarse grasses and lines it with finer materials. Clutches typically contain three to five eggs. Their nesting sites are well-hidden to protect against predators, with the surrounding vegetation providing additional cover.

The diet of Vesper Sparrows consists primarily of seeds and insects. During the breeding season, they consume a significant number of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, which provide necessary nutrients for their young. Outside the breeding season, they rely more heavily on seeds from grasses and weeds. Their ability to adjust their diet according to availability helps them survive in varying conditions.

Vesper Sparrows have experienced population declines due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring grassland habitats, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and conducting long-term population monitoring. Historical trends show that while some populations remain stable, others have declined, highlighting the importance of targeted conservation strategies.

13. 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 striking birds with bold black and white stripes on their heads, gray faces, and brown streaked backs. They are winter residents in Tennessee, often seen foraging on the ground in flocks. These sparrows prefer open areas with dense shrubbery, where they can be seen hopping on the ground, scratching for food. Their distinctive head pattern makes them easy to identify among other sparrows.

White-crowned Sparrow

White-Crowned Sparrows nest in a variety of habitats, including shrublands, tundra, and forest edges. They build their nests on the ground or in low shrubs, using twigs, grasses, and moss, with softer materials for lining. The female constructs the nest and incubates the eggs, usually numbering three to five. Nest placement is strategic, often hidden to protect from predators and harsh weather.

The diet of the White-Crowned Sparrow includes seeds, fruits, and insects. During the breeding season, they consume a higher proportion of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants to provide protein for their chicks. In winter, they shift to seeds from grasses and weeds, as well as berries. Their diverse diet allows them to thrive in various environments, from arctic tundras to temperate forests.

White-Crowned Sparrows are widespread and generally not considered threatened, but habitat loss and climate change pose potential risks. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and climate resilience. Historical data shows stable populations, though localized declines can occur. Protecting their diverse habitats, from breeding to wintering grounds, is essential for their continued survival.

14. 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 small, elusive birds that pass through Tennessee during migration. They have finely streaked, buffy chests and gray faces with a dark cap and eyeline. Their backs are brown with darker streaks. Lincoln’s Sparrows prefer dense cover and are often found in wet, brushy areas. They are noted for their shy behavior, making them a rewarding find for patient birdwatchers.

Lincoln’s Sparrow

Lincoln’s Sparrows nest in dense, shrubby areas, often near water. Their nests are concealed at ground level, built from grasses and lined with finer materials. The female constructs the nest and incubates the eggs, typically laying three to five eggs per clutch. These sparrows prefer remote, undisturbed areas for nesting, which provides protection from predators and human disturbance.

Lincoln’s Sparrows feed on a variety of insects and seeds. During the breeding season, their diet is dominated by insects, which provide essential nutrients for their young. In the non-breeding season, they consume more seeds and small fruits. Their foraging behavior includes hopping on the ground and low vegetation, where they can find food in their preferred moist habitats.

Lincoln’s Sparrows face threats from habitat loss and degradation. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetland and shrubby habitats that are crucial for their breeding success. Initiatives include habitat restoration, invasive species control, and protection of key nesting areas.

15. 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 common

Fox Sparrows are large, robust sparrows with heavy, reddish streaks on their white underparts and a rich, rust-coloured back and tail. In Tennessee, they are winter visitors, often seen scratching in leaf litter under shrubs and trees.

These birds exhibit regional variations, but those in the eastern United States are typically the red variety. Their bold plumage and distinctive foraging behavior make them a favorite among winter birdwatchers.

Fox Sparrow

Fox Sparrows are ground-nesters, often choosing well-concealed spots under dense shrubbery or fallen logs. They construct their nests using twigs, grasses, and moss, lining them with softer materials like feathers and animal hair. The female primarily builds the nest and incubates the eggs, which typically number three to five. Their nesting sites are often selected for optimal camouflage, providing protection from predators.

The diet of the Fox Sparrow is diverse, consisting of seeds, fruits, and insects. They are particularly fond of foraging on the ground, using a characteristic double-scratching motion to uncover hidden food. Insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and ants form a significant part of their diet during the breeding season, while seeds and berries become more prominent during the winter months.

Fox Sparrows are generally not considered threatened, but habitat loss due to deforestation and human development poses challenges. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats, especially during the breeding season. Maintaining healthy forest and shrubland ecosystems is crucial for their long-term survival.

16. 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 small, secretive birds with a buffy orange face, finely streaked chest, and grayish nape. They have a sharp dark eyeline and a short tail. In Tennessee, they are rare migratory visitors, often found in wet, grassy fields.

Their elusive nature and preference for dense cover make them a challenging but rewarding sight for birdwatchers during migration seasons.

LeConte’s Sparrow

LeConte’s Sparrows prefer wet meadows, marshes, and grasslands for nesting. They build their nests on the ground, hidden among dense grasses and sedges. The female constructs the nest using grass and plant fibers, lining it with softer materials. Typical clutches contain three to five eggs. The dense vegetation around their nests provides crucial cover, protecting them from predators and harsh weather.

LeConte’s Sparrows have a diet that includes insects and seeds. During the breeding season, they primarily consume insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, providing essential protein for their growing chicks. In the non-breeding season, they shift to a diet mainly composed of seeds from grasses and weeds.

LeConte’s Sparrows face significant threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and wetland drainage. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring wetland and grassland habitats, promoting sustainable land use, and conducting population monitoring. Historically, their populations have been patchy and localized, making them particularly vulnerable to habitat changes.

17. 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 are rare and primarily found in the southeastern United States, including Tennessee. They have a plain, gray-brown appearance with a slightly reddish back and a long tail. These sparrows prefer open pine forests and grassy fields.

In Tennessee, they are mainly seen during the breeding season from April to August. Their sweet, musical song is often the first clue to their presence in suitable habitats.

Bachman’s Sparrow

Bachman’s Sparrows prefer open pine forests and savannas for nesting. They build their nests on the ground, often at the base of a grass clump or a small shrub. The female constructs the nest using grasses, pine needles, and leaves, lining it with finer materials like animal hair. Clutches typically contain three to five eggs.

Bachman’s Sparrows have a diet that includes insects and seeds. During the breeding season, they primarily consume insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, which are essential for chick development. Outside of the breeding season, they shift to a diet mainly composed of seeds from grasses and weeds.

Bachman’s Sparrows have faced significant population declines due to habitat loss, primarily from deforestation and changes in fire management practices. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring their preferred pine forest and savanna habitats, promoting controlled burns to maintain open understory conditions, and monitoring populations.

Where to find Sparrows in Tennessee

Finding sparrows in Tennessee is a delightful experience for bird watchers. To spot these charming birds, it’s best to visit a variety of habitats, including open fields, wetlands, forest edges, and urban gardens. Early mornings are the most rewarding time for birding, as sparrows are most active and vocal during these hours. Bring binoculars and a field guide to help identify different species, and consider using bird call apps to familiarize yourself with their songs.

  • Radnor Lake State Park: Located in Nashville, this park is a prime spot for birdwatching. The mix of forest, lake, and meadow habitats attracts a wide variety of sparrows, including Song Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows.
  • Reelfoot Lake: In northwest Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake’s wetland environment is perfect for spotting sparrows like the Swamp Sparrow and Savannah Sparrow. The lake’s boardwalks and trails offer close encounters with these birds.
  • Shelby Farms Park: Situated in Memphis, this large urban park features diverse habitats such as open fields, wetlands, and wooded areas. Field Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows are commonly seen here, especially near the park’s lakes and meadows.
  • Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park: This historical park in southeastern Tennessee provides ample birdwatching opportunities. Its fields and woodlands are home to various sparrows, including the Vesper Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow. The scenic views and rich history add to the experience.

Conclusion

Tennessee’s diverse habitats make it an ideal state for sparrow enthusiasts. From wetlands to open fields, each species brings unique charm and songs to the landscape. Exploring these areas offers endless opportunities to observe and appreciate the variety of sparrows, enriching the birdwatching experience in this vibrant state.

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