ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Grasshopper Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow

Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery

Sparrows are small brownish birds that may seem impossible to distinguish to a beginning bird watcher. But by observing head and breast patterns, habitats, and season of occurrence, sparrow identification is relatively easy. They are ground-feeding seed eaters. Sexes are basically the same.

This species is monitored by the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Long-term data indicate the population has declined 8.4 percent per year in Ohio since 1966. These declines are due to grassland habitat loss and the resulting fragmentation of remaining grasslands.

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Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 11-12 days

• Clutch Size: 3-6 eggs

• Young Fledge: 9 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects and seeds

Description
This sparrow is small and chunky with a buff colored breast and rufous underparts. It has a stripe on the center of its head and the tail is short and pointed.

Habitat and Habits
Breeding grasshopper sparrows prefer tall-grass habitats such as hayfields, lightly grazed pastures, reclaimed strip mines, and fields bordering airports. They are also regularly found in clover and alfalfa hayfields, and fallow fields with an interspersion of weeds and grasses. An occupant of dry upland habitats, grasshopper sparrows inhabit large tracts of grasslands and normally avoid narrow strips of grassy vegetation. The subtle, inconspicuous song of this skulking species can easily be lost among the cacophony of more boisterous songs in our grasslands.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Grasshopper sparrows build their well-concealed nests on the ground in clumps of living grasses. Nest construction is most prevalent during May. Most first clutches can be found between May and June with the young fledging by June and July. Renesting attempts and second broods are regularly noted.