From Opus

Spizella passerina

Photo by Glen Tepke
Photo of breeding plumaged bird taken Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Watertown, Massachusetts, USA, 2 May 2004.

Photo by Robert S
Photo of juvenile plumaged bird taken at Torrington, Connecticut, USA, 29th May 2006.

[edit] Identification

In breeding plumage quite unique with a solid chestnut cap and black stripe through the eye, white the rest of the sides of the head and undersides are unmarked gray.

In juvenile plumage it has finely streaked underparts, and usually lacks the chestnut crown of a Adult.

[edit] Distribution

Chipping sparrow is distributed from Alaska to eastern Canada through the USA and Mexico to Nicaragua.

[edit] Taxonomy

Five subspecies are recognized: passerina, arizonae, atremaeus, pinetorum, and mexicana; some authorities additionally recognize boreophilae.

[edit] Habitat

Woodlands, farmlands, urban districts and suburbs.

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes seeds, insects and small fruits.

It weaves a cup nest from grass and roots; 2-7 pale blue, dark blotched eggs are laid and incubated for 10-15 days.

[edit] References

All About Birds

[edit] External Links