Lark Sparrow -- South Dakota Birds

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

Lark Sparrows are generally very easy to identify due to their very strong facial pattern.  While they can occasionally be found in the Eastern U.S., their preference for open ground with scattered bushes makes Western U.S. habitats much more favorable for them.

Habitat: Prefers open ground with scattered taller plant, such as grasslands with brush or hedgerows along farm fields.

Diet: Mostly seeds in the winter, seeds and many insects in the summer. 

Nesting: May through July

Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Lark Sparrow Song

Migrations: Neotropical migrant wintering in extreme southern U.S. and points south.

Feeders: Will occasionally attend feeders for some seeds and grains.

Similar Species: Strong facial patterns makes it generally unmistakable. 

Status: Has declined in the eastern U.S. due to habitat loss.

Further Information: 1)  USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Lark Sparrow

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Lark Sparrow"

3) E-nature.com: Lark Sparrow

Photo Information: July 11th, 2004 -- Perry Nature Area east of Sioux Falls -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Lark Sparrow photos.

Return to Species Page

Return to Main Page

Proud Member Of:

Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08