Baird's Sparrow

Overview

Baird's sparrow (Centronyx bairdii) is a migratory bird species in the family Passerellidae, native to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is a small brown streaked sparrow that resides primarily in grassland habitats, moving between breeding grounds in the north and wintering areas in the south.

Identification

• Small brown streaked sparrow with a yellow-brown face featuring subtle black markings.
• Distinguished by a broad ochre central crown stripe and a narrow band of brown streaks on the chest.
• Adults measure approximately 12 cm in length, weigh between 17 and 21 g, and have a wingspan of around 23 cm.
• Larger than LeConte's sparrow and lacks orange facial coloration, while differing from Henslow's sparrow by the absence of green facial tones.

Habitat

Breeds in the tall grass prairies of north central United States and south central Canada, migrating to northern Mexico and the southern tip of the United States near Texas for winter. Relies on tallgrass, mixed grass, and moister fescue prairies, avoiding areas with woody vegetation or cultivated land. Most frequently found in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Canada during summer.

Diet

Feeds on the ground by picking up insects and grass seeds.

Did you know?

When confronted by danger or a potential predator, Baird's sparrows may evade their foes by running on foot rather than flying away.