In Wisconsin, sparrows are a very familiar sight, and you probably already know a lot of the birds on this list. These small birds might not grab much attention, but they play a significant role in our environment. From the song sparrow’s familiar and simple melodies to the house sparrow’s city life, they are part of the everyday landscape.
Whether you’re walking in a Milwaukee park or hiking in the Northwoods, you’ll likely spot a sparrow hopping around, searching for seeds or insects. In this article, I’ll tell you all about Wisconsin’s sparrows, looking at their habits, their homes, and their conservation history. In the end I’ll recommend some spots for you to check out if I’ve peaked your interest!
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
Widespread across North America, the song sparrow is easily recognized by its streaked brown plumage and a dark central spot on its chest. Its face has a mix of gray and brown, with a distinctive brown stripe behind its eye.
Song Sparrows build their nests low in shrubs or directly on the ground, weaving a cup-shaped structure from grasses, leaves, and bark. Females are responsible for constructing the nest, while males often guard the territory. They typically lay 3-6 eggs, and it’s not uncommon for them to raise multiple broods in one breeding season.
These sparrows have a varied diet that includes seeds, berries, and insects. Foraging usually involves hopping along the ground, scratching for food in leaf litter or low vegetation. During the summer months, they focus more on protein-rich insects, while in colder months, their diet shifts to more plant matter.
Song Sparrows are adaptable and have managed to maintain a stable population even in the face of habitat loss. Conservation efforts center on maintaining a mix of wetland, shrubland, and forest-edge environments to provide ample breeding and feeding grounds.
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
Native to Europe and Asia, the house sparrow is now common across North America. This small bird has a grayish-brown back, black streaks, and a pale underbelly. Males have a black throat patch, while females are more uniformly brown with lighter markings.
House Sparrows construct messy nests from grass, paper, and twigs in cavities or under the eaves of buildings, often close to human habitation. They sometimes take over the nests of other birds, forcibly evicting them. Nests can be reused year after year, and the birds often build communal breeding sites with multiple nests close together.
Highly opportunistic feeders, House Sparrows consume grains, seeds, and insects. In urban environments, they quickly adapt to human presence by scavenging discarded food such as bread crumbs and fast food leftovers. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders, thriving on whatever is available.
Introduced to North America from Europe in the 1850s, House Sparrows quickly spread across the continent. Although they are incredibly successful and widespread, their aggressive behavior has caused concern due to their tendency to outcompete native species for resources and nesting spaces, leading to conservation debates.
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
Found in marshy areas across the eastern U.S. and Canada, the swamp sparrow is a medium-brown bird with a gray face and chestnut wings. Its black-streaked crown and long legs make it stand out among the reeds.
Swamp Sparrows prefer to nest in wetland areas, especially in marshes and swamps. Their nests are woven from grasses and cattails and are typically placed just above the water level. This low placement helps keep them hidden from predators, but also makes them vulnerable to rising water levels.
During the breeding season, Swamp Sparrows focus on insects, spiders, and aquatic invertebrates, which they catch by probing mud or shallow water. In winter, they switch to a diet of seeds, grains, and the occasional berry, reflecting the seasonal availability of food.
Swamp Sparrows rely on healthy wetland ecosystems for breeding and foraging. While their populations remain stable, habitat loss due to wetland drainage and development could threaten them in the future. Wetland conservation is key to their long-term survival.
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
Native to much of North America, the dark-eyed junco is easily identified by its slate-gray body and white belly. Its dark eyes contrast sharply with its plumage, and its pale pink bill stands out. It is commonly found in woodlands and backyards.
Dark-eyed Juncos nest on the ground or low in shrubs, often preferring the cover of coniferous forests. Their nests are cup-shaped and made from grasses, twigs, and sometimes moss, offering excellent camouflage. Females do the building and usually lay 3-6 eggs, with both parents involved in feeding the young.
Juncos primarily eat seeds and grains, particularly in winter. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects, especially caterpillars and beetles, providing much-needed protein. Foraging typically takes place on the ground, where they hop around, scratching in leaf litter to uncover food.
Dark-eyed Juncos are abundant and widespread, with stable populations across their range. However, habitat loss due to deforestation could impact them in the future. Current conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy forest ecosystems, particularly in their breeding territories.
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
This sparrow is found throughout eastern North America. It is notable for its bright white throat and yellow patches between its eyes and bill. Its head is adorned with black and white stripes, contrasting with its brown-streaked body.
White-throated Sparrows nest in dense forest undergrowth, creating cup-shaped nests built from twigs, grasses, and bark. Nests are often hidden in low shrubs or ferns, providing camouflage. Typically, they raise only one brood per season, but will occasionally attempt a second if conditions are favourable.
Their diet shifts with the seasons, consisting mainly of insects and other small invertebrates during the breeding season. In the fall and winter, they switch to seeds, berries, and occasionally buds. They forage on the ground by scratching through leaves and soil to uncover food.
Although not currently endangered, White-throated Sparrows face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation. Sustainable forestry practices and the conservation of large tracts of forest are essential for maintaining healthy populations, especially in their breeding and wintering areas.
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 Uncommon
Breeding in the northern tundra, the American tree sparrow migrates southward to the U.S. in winter. It has a reddish-brown crown and eye stripe, a pale gray face, and a single dark spot on its breast, often seen in brushy fields.
American Tree Sparrows nest on the ground or in low shrubs, typically in the tundra or boreal forest habitats of the far north. Their nests are made from grasses, moss, and lined with feathers. Females lay 3-7 eggs and incubate them while males guard the territory.
Their diet consists primarily of seeds during the non-breeding season, but they switch to insects and spiders during the breeding period to feed their growing chicks. American Tree Sparrows are ground foragers, often spotted scratching in the snow or leaf litter in search of food.
American Tree Sparrows are migratory, spending winters in the southern parts of their range and breeding in northern tundra regions. While their populations are stable, climate change and habitat loss could pose future threats, especially in their breeding habitats. Conservation focuses on habitat protection.
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
This small, widespread sparrow is known for its reddish-brown cap and plain gray underparts. The chipping sparrow, common across North America, also has a sharp black eye stripe, giving it a clean and crisp appearance.
Chipping Sparrows build delicate, open-cup nests from grasses and fine materials, typically in coniferous trees or shrubs. The nests are small and well-concealed, and females take on the role of construction. They lay 3-4 eggs per clutch and may raise two broods in a single season.
Chipping Sparrows primarily feed on seeds and small insects. During the summer, they consume more insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers, which provide essential nutrients for their young. They often forage on the ground or pick insects from low vegetation.
Chipping Sparrows are common and adaptable, thriving in suburban areas as well as forests. However, habitat changes such as deforestation and urban sprawl can disrupt their breeding grounds. Conservation efforts focus on preserving a diversity of habitats, particularly woodlands and shrublands.
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
Widespread in the eastern U.S., the eastern towhee is a striking bird with a black hood, rusty flanks, and a white belly. The male’s bold coloring contrasts sharply against dense shrubs and forests, where it often hides.
Eastern Towhees prefer to nest close to the ground in thick underbrush or shrubs. The female constructs a deep, cup-shaped nest made of leaves, bark, and grasses. She typically lays 3-5 eggs and takes the lead in incubation, while both parents share feeding duties once the chicks hatch.
Eastern Towhees are omnivores, feeding on a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects. They are known for their distinctive foraging behavior, where they use their feet to “scrape” through leaf litter in search of food. During the summer, insects like beetles and caterpillars dominate their diet.
While Eastern Towhees are still relatively common, habitat fragmentation and loss of dense underbrush threaten their populations in some areas. Conservation efforts focus on preserving woodland edges and maintaining natural underbrush to provide the cover they need for nesting and foraging.
9. 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, common across the eastern U.S., has a soft, pink bill and plain, grayish-brown plumage. Its gentle coloring and simple markings make it a frequent sight in open fields and meadows, where it can be heard singing during the spring.
Field Sparrows nest in open fields, prairies, or scrubby areas, often choosing a spot close to the ground in grasses or low shrubs. The nests are delicate, cup-shaped structures made from fine grasses and lined with soft materials. Females typically lay 3-5 eggs, and both parents assist with feeding the chicks.
Field Sparrows primarily feed on seeds, but during the breeding season, they consume insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. They forage by hopping through fields and meadows, using their beaks to pick seeds and insects from the ground or low vegetation.
Field Sparrow populations have declined in many regions due to habitat loss, particularly the conversion of open fields into agricultural land or development. Conservation efforts focus on protecting grasslands and promoting land management practices that preserve open, undeveloped spaces.
10. 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
With its broad range across North America, the savannah sparrow is recognized by its finely streaked brown plumage and a distinctive yellowish eyebrow. Found in grasslands and coastal areas, this bird’s delicate markings help it blend into its environment.
Savannah Sparrows nest on the ground in open grassy fields, prairies, and meadows. Their nests are carefully concealed in tall grasses, providing cover from predators. Females build the nest, often with a well-hidden entrance, and incubate 3-5 eggs. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Their diet is composed primarily of seeds, though during the breeding season, they consume more insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Savannah Sparrows forage by walking or hopping through open fields, using their sharp eyesight to spot food hidden among the grass.
Savannah Sparrow populations have been affected by the loss of grassland habitat due to agriculture and urbanization. Grassland conservation, including controlled burns and sustainable grazing practices, is vital to maintaining their populations and ensuring they have suitable nesting sites.
11. 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: Migratory and Uncommon
Common in open fields across North America, the grasshopper sparrow has a pale brown body with fine streaking and a short tail. Its flat head and subtle yellowish eyebrow make it less conspicuous, often blending into grassy habitats.
Grasshopper Sparrows build their nests on the ground, hidden in tall grasses or prairie habitats. The nests are carefully concealed, and the female usually lays 3-6 eggs. Grasshopper Sparrows are highly protective of their nesting sites, often staying low to avoid detection by predators.
As their name suggests, Grasshopper Sparrows feed primarily on insects, particularly grasshoppers, during the breeding season. Their diet also includes seeds and grains, which they forage by walking through open fields and prairies. They are highly efficient hunters of insects, darting quickly to capture prey.
Grasshopper Sparrows have experienced population declines due to the loss of native grasslands, their preferred habitat. Conservation efforts focus on restoring and preserving prairie ecosystems through sustainable agricultural practices and the protection of remaining grasslands.
12. 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 sparrow is a rare bird found in grasslands of the eastern U.S. Its olive-coloured face, streaked breast, and short tail help it stay hidden in tall grasses. Its subtle, greenish markings make it difficult to spot in its natural habitat.
Henslow’s Sparrows are ground nesters, preferring tall grasslands and prairie ecosystems for their nesting sites. The nests are intricately woven from grasses and are often hidden among thick vegetation. Females lay 3-5 eggs, and both parents participate in feeding the young.
Insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders form the bulk of their diet during the breeding season. In winter, they switch to a diet of seeds and grasses. Henslow’s Sparrows forage low in vegetation, often staying well-hidden from sight while searching for food.
Henslow’s Sparrows are considered a species of conservation concern due to the extensive loss of their native grassland habitats. Conservation efforts focus on prairie restoration and management, including prescribed burns and sustainable land use practices to ensure suitable nesting and foraging habitats remain available.
13. 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
A migratory bird of wetlands, Nelson’s sparrow has soft orange cheeks, a gray nape, and finely streaked brown and black plumage. It is often found in coastal marshes during migration, blending well into the reeds and grasses.
Nelson’s Sparrows nest in coastal marshes and inland wetlands, where they build low, cup-shaped nests hidden among tall grasses and sedges. Females lay 3-5 eggs, and nests are often placed just above the water level. Both parents contribute to feeding and protecting the young.
Insects, spiders, and small crustaceans dominate their diet during the breeding season, while seeds and grains are consumed in the winter. Nelson’s Sparrows forage by walking through wetland vegetation, often probing the mud or water for food.
Nelson’s Sparrows are vulnerable to habitat loss, especially from coastal development and wetland drainage. Rising sea levels also threaten their coastal breeding sites. Conservation efforts prioritize wetland preservation and management to safeguard their unique habitats.
14. 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 common
The lark sparrow is common in open habitats across much of the U.S. Its bold facial pattern, with chestnut and black stripes, and its white outer tail feathers make it stand out in prairies and fields.
Lark Sparrows build their nests on the ground or in low bushes, usually in open, sparsely vegetated areas like grasslands or fields. Their nests are made from grasses and twigs, lined with fine materials. The female typically lays 3-5 eggs, and both parents help raise the young.
Lark Sparrows feed on a variety of seeds and insects, foraging primarily on the ground. They use their strong bills to crack open seeds and catch insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. During the breeding season, insects make up a larger part of their diet.
Lark Sparrows have declined in some regions due to habitat loss, particularly the conversion of grasslands into agricultural land. Conservation efforts include maintaining open spaces and restoring native grasslands to provide suitable habitats for breeding and foraging.
15. 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
This bird is native to grasslands across North America. The vesper sparrow has a streaked brown body, a white outer tail, and a thin white eye ring. Its subtle appearance blends well with open fields and prairies.
Vesper Sparrows are ground nesters, choosing open fields or grasslands to build their cup-shaped nests. They often hide their nests in tall grasses, which provides camouflage against predators. The female constructs the nest and incubates 3-5 eggs, while both parents share feeding duties once the chicks hatch.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds and grains, which they forage by hopping along the ground. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, adding protein for the growing chicks. Their ground-foraging habits make them a common sight in open fields.
The conversion of grasslands into agricultural or urban land has reduced the available habitat for Vesper Sparrows, leading to regional population declines. Conservationists advocate for the preservation of open grasslands and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices to protect their breeding grounds.
16. Harris’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia querula
- Life span: 4-5 years
- Size: 6.7-7.5 in / 17-19 cm
- Weight: 1.2-1.5 oz / 34-43 g
- Wingspan: 10.6-11.8 in / 27-30 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Common
This sparrow, native to central North America, has a bold black face and crown with a pale gray body and pink bill. It is the largest sparrow in the region and is most commonly seen during migration or winter in brushy areas.
Harris’s Sparrows nest on the ground in northern boreal forests and tundra, where they construct nests from moss, grasses, and twigs. Nests are usually well-concealed in low vegetation or under shrubs. Females lay 3-5 eggs, and the young are fed by both parents until fledging.
Their diet is seasonally varied, consisting of seeds and berries in the winter and insects during the breeding season. Harris’s Sparrows forage by walking along the ground, scratching through leaf litter to uncover food. In winter, they often form flocks, feeding together in open fields.
Harris’s Sparrows have one of the most restricted breeding ranges of any North American bird, limited to Canada’s boreal forests. While their population is stable, habitat degradation due to climate change and development in their wintering grounds could pose future threats. Conservation efforts aim to protect these remote habitats.
17. 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
A common sight in North America, the white-crowned sparrow is known for its bold black-and-white striped crown. Its overall plumage is gray with a slightly brown back and wings, making it easy to identify in brushy areas and woodlands.
White-crowned Sparrows build their nests close to the ground in shrubs or dense vegetation. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made from twigs, grasses, and bark, lined with softer materials like feathers. These birds are known for their strong territorial instincts and often return to the same breeding grounds each year.
White-crowned Sparrows are omnivorous, with a diet consisting primarily of seeds, insects, and small fruits. They forage on the ground or in low vegetation, often scratching through leaf litter to uncover seeds. During migration, they expand their diet to include berries and other available food sources.
While White-crowned Sparrow populations are stable overall, habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urbanization poses a threat. Conservation efforts include preserving their wintering grounds and creating wildlife corridors that facilitate their long-distance migrations.
18. 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 Common
A subtle but striking sparrow, Lincoln’s sparrow can be found across North America. It has finely streaked brown and gray feathers, with a buffy chest and a white belly. Its habitat includes dense shrubs and wet meadows.
Lincoln’s Sparrows build their nests in dense shrubbery, often in moist, marshy areas. The nests, constructed from grasses and moss, are typically placed on the ground but are well hidden by surrounding vegetation. Females lay 3-5 eggs, and both parents are involved in raising the young.
They primarily eat insects, such as beetles and caterpillars, during the breeding season. In winter, they shift to seeds and small invertebrates, foraging by hopping and darting through dense vegetation. Lincoln’s Sparrows are known for their secretive nature, often staying hidden while foraging.
Lincoln’s Sparrows rely on wetlands and marshy habitats, which are increasingly threatened by drainage and development. Wetland conservation efforts are critical to protecting their nesting areas, ensuring the long-term stability of their population.
19. 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
The fox sparrow, found across much of North America, boasts rich reddish-brown plumage with dark streaks across its chest and sides. It often appears in wooded areas during migration, blending well into leaf litter with its earthy tones.
Fox Sparrows prefer to nest in dense shrubs or low to the ground in forested areas. Their nests are cup-shaped, constructed from twigs, grasses, and moss, and lined with softer materials like feathers. Females lay 3-5 eggs, and both parents assist in feeding the chicks after they hatch.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds, berries, and insects. Fox Sparrows are ground foragers, often seen scratching vigorously in leaf litter to uncover seeds and invertebrates. They shift to more insect-based diets during the breeding season to provide extra protein for their growing young.
Fox Sparrow populations are generally stable, but habitat destruction, particularly in their northern breeding ranges, poses a risk. Conservation efforts emphasize the preservation of forested habitats and shrublands that are crucial for their nesting and feeding needs.
20. Clay-colored Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella pallida
- Life span: 4-7 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 in / 12-15 cm
- Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz / 12-20 g
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in / 18-20 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and Rare
A subtle sparrow found in open prairies, the clay-coloured sparrow has light grayish-brown plumage with a clean, pale face. A dark line extends from its eye, and its overall color is soft and muted, blending into grassy or shrubby environments.
Clay-coloured Sparrows build their nests low to the ground, usually in shrubs or small trees. The nests are made from fine grasses and plant fibers, lined with softer materials. The female lays 3-5 eggs, and both parents share the responsibility of feeding the young, often raising two broods per season.
During the breeding season, Clay-coloured Sparrows primarily eat insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. They supplement their diet with seeds and small berries, foraging mainly in low vegetation or on the ground. In winter, their diet shifts more toward seeds and grains.
Clay-coloured Sparrows thrive in open, scrubby habitats, but changes in land use, such as agricultural expansion and urban development, have reduced available nesting areas. Conservation efforts include habitat preservation and the management of scrubland areas to ensure these sparrows have adequate breeding grounds.
21. 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 Uncommon
Found in marshy areas across central and eastern North America, LeConte’s sparrow has a finely streaked, pale brown body with an orange-yellow face. It’s a shy, secretive bird that blends well into wet grasslands, making it difficult to spot.
LeConte’s Sparrows nest on the ground, often in dense grasses or marshy areas. Their nests are cup-shaped and well-hidden in thick vegetation. Females lay 3-5 eggs, and both parents take part in feeding the chicks. Their preference for wet, grassy areas makes them vulnerable to habitat changes.
Their diet consists primarily of insects during the breeding season, with seeds and small grains making up the bulk of their diet during the winter months. LeConte’s Sparrows are secretive foragers, often staying hidden in dense grasses while they search for food.
LeConte’s Sparrows are considered a species of concern due to habitat loss from agricultural development and wetland drainage. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wetland habitats and implementing sustainable land use practices to protect their breeding and wintering grounds.
Where to find Sparrows in Wisconsin
If you’re looking to spot sparrows in Wisconsin, you’re in luck. These little birds are found all over the state, and finding them can be a fun adventure. The best time to see sparrows is early in the morning when they’re most active. Bring along a pair of binoculars and maybe a field guide to help you identify the different types you might see.
One great place to start is Horicon Marsh. As one of the largest freshwater marshes in the country, it’s home to many bird species, including the song sparrow and the swamp sparrow. Walking the trails here, you’ll hear their cheerful chirps filling the air.
Another good spot is the Kettle Moraine State Forest. With its mix of open fields and woods, it’s perfect for spotting sparrows like the field sparrow or the chipping sparrow. The varied habitat means there’s plenty for them to eat and places to nest.
If you’re near Madison, check out the UW Arboretum. This area has prairies and woodlands that attract a variety of sparrows. It’s a peaceful place to walk and listen for the rustling of birds in the bushes.
Lastly, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers not just beautiful views but also great birdwatching opportunities. During migration seasons, you might see sparrows passing through as they travel along Lake Superior.
Remember to move quietly and be patient. Sparrows might be small and quick, but with a little time, you’ll start to notice them flitting about or hear their distinctive calls.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about these birds and where to find them, the only thing left is for you to go out and see how many you can find! Chances are, you’re probably going to see a lot of them even just going out of your door. Beginning to notice the birds you already know and learning ways to differentiate them is a great way to start your birdwatching adventure.
