ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Henslow's Sparrow

Henslow's Sparrow

Photo by Todd Fink/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.

The Henslow's sparrow is an Ohio and Federal Species of Concern that is highly area sensitive.

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Henslow's Sparrow

Ammodramus henslowii

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 11 days

• Clutch Size: 3-5 eggs

• Young Fledge: 9-10 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: insects and seeds

• Ohio Status: Species of Concern

Description
This sparrow has a dull olive-green head and reddish-brown wings. The breast and flanks are streaked.

Habitat and Habits
The Henslow's sparrow prefers large contiguous blocks of grassland habitat. They are most commonly observed breeding in large grassland habitats. The song is inconspicuous in the extreme. The male Henslow's sparrow tosses his head back, opens his bill, and out comes a pathetic-sounding two-thirds of a second hiccup that sounds like an ill cricket.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The nest is woven out of grass and is placed on the ground, usually concealed by taller grasses. The eggs are white with brown spots.