Library #17 · A Backyard · Wave 2

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia · Passerellidae

Each male has a repertoire of songs — a backyard music lesson.

At a glance

Size: 4.7–6.7 in
Wingspan: 7.1–9.4 in
Habitat: Brushy edges, gardens, marshes, roadsides
Diet: Insects in summer, seeds in winter

Range: Widespread across North America

Nesting: Cup nest on or near the ground in dense cover.

Coloring pose idea: Singing from fence post

Hear this bird

General call / song: Complex cheerful song starting with a few clear notes then a trill; chimp call.

Mating / display: Full territorial song; soft courtship warbles near the female.

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Play calls on All About Birds Species overview Audubon field guide

How to know it

Streaky brown with a central breast spot (usually).
Long rounded tail pumped in flight.
Face shows gray and brown stripes.

Behavior

Males sing from exposed perches to claim territory.
Many regional subspecies look and sound slightly different.
Often stays year-round where winters are mild.

Fun facts

One of the most studied songbirds in behavioral science.
Young males learn songs from neighbors.
Central breast spot is helpful but not always obvious.

Companion page for the Birds Coloring Calendar series by R. J. D. B. Fact summaries are original educational text or short paraphrases with source links. Call playback via link to All About Birds / Cornell Lab. Re-test QR codes on a phone before final print. Not affiliated with Cornell Lab or Audubon.