Clay-colored Sparrow
NameClay-colored Sparrow
Common NameClay-colored Sparrow
Scientific NameSpizella pallida
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)19.5
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)11
Plumage DetailsFeatures a streaky brown back, pale unstreaked underparts, and a distinctive head pattern. This includes a pale median crown stripe, dark lateral crown stripes, a pale supercilium, a dark eye-line, and a pale malar stripe bordered by a dark line. The nape is grayish, and the bill is pale pinkish.
Vocalization / CallA distinctive, buzzy, insect-like trill, often described as 'bzzzz-bzzzz-bzzzz' or a series of short, dry trills.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across the Great Plains and central Canada, from British Columbia east to the Great Lakes region. Winters primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesPale median crown stripe, Dark lateral crown stripes, Pale supercilium, Dark eye-line, Pale malar stripe, Unstreaked pale underparts, Streaky brown back, Pale pinkish bill
Description
A small, slender sparrow with a distinctive head pattern, often found foraging on the ground or in low vegetation. It is known for its buzzy, insect-like song, typically heard from a prominent perch.
