Melospiza melodia
Table of Contents
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Aves |
| Order: Passeriformes |
| Family: Emberizidae |
| Genus: Melospiza |
| Species: Melospiza melodia |
Conservation Status
Identifying Features
Song sparrows are 6" long with a 8" wingspan. They are a rusty brown in color, striped, and have a white breast. The breast has brown streaks and a brown center spot.
Habitat & Range
Song sparrows live in open areas and shrubland, especially near water.
Their breeding range spreads across much of Canada and into northern areas of Michigan west to Montana.
The nonbreeding range consists of the central and southeastern United States and into northern parts of Mexico.
Year-round they live in northwestern and northeastern parts of the United States, including New York State.
Behavior
Song sparrows eat a variety of seeds, grass, berries, and insects.
Their song is a variety of complex trills and whistes. Listen for the pattern of “swee swee swee too-ee tri-tri-tri-tri.”
Life Cycle
Song sparrows nest on the ground or in shrubs.
Featured image by James Dake.