Cassin's Sparrow
NameCassin's Sparrow
Common NameCassin's Sparrow
Scientific NamePeucaea cassinii
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are grayish-brown with fine dark streaking, especially on the back and crown. Underparts are plain pale gray to whitish, lacking heavy streaking. It features a faint pale eye-ring, a dark malar stripe, and a subtle yellowish patch at the bend of the wing. The tail is long and dark.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a series of clear, whistled notes, often given during a high, circling flight display, described as "tee-tee-tee-trrrrrr-tsee-tsee". Calls include a soft "chip".
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado, extending into northern Mexico. Winters primarily in southern Arizona, Texas, and throughout Mexico.
Identifying Featureslong tail, subtle streaking on back, unstreaked pale belly, faint eye-ring, yellowish patch at bend of wing, skylarking song flight
Description
This medium-sized sparrow is characterized by its streaky brown and gray plumage and a relatively long tail. Males are known for their unique "skylarking" display flight during the breeding season, where they ascend high while singing. It typically inhabits arid grasslands and scrublands.
