From Opus

Pooecetes gramineus

Photo by JV HIgbee
Photo taken: Okanogan Co., Washington, USA.

[edit] Identification

A fairly large (16cm body, 25cm wingspan) sparrow. Streaked back, upper breast, and sides, with cream-colored underparts. Shows an eye ring and most often a white malar stripe that continues under the auriculars before coming back up behind the auriculars, producing a J shape. Rufous lesser coverts are visible in flight but rarely on the standing bird; very good field mark if seen.

[edit] Similar Species

The Savannah Sparrow is similar in appearance, but has a shorter tail.

[edit] Distribution

In summer, covers most of central U.S. to middle latitudes of Canada, but absent on the pacific coast; In winter, migrates to southern U.S. and Mexico. Widespread and fairly common within appropriate habitat.

[edit] Taxonomy

Polytypic. Consists of three subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

Open country; prairies and fields, often near stands of trees.

[edit] Behaviour

Walks on ground, foraging for seeds and insects among grasses and bases of shrubs. Neither drinks nor bathes in water, extracting all the water it needs from its food. Enjoys frequent dust baths. Usually solitary or in pairs, although may form small family groups in breeding season, or loose flocks in winter.

[edit] External Links

• Vesper Sparrow - Pooecetes gramineus - USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter
• Vesper Sparrow Species Account - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• Vesper Sparrow Information and Photos - South Dakota Birds and Birding