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Baird's Sparrow

Centronyx bairdii

Length: 5.5 inches Wingspan: 8.5 inches Seasonality: Summer / Migrant
ID Keys: Mustard-yellow tinge on head, short-tailed, dark streaks on chest

Baird's Sparrow - Centronyx bairdiiBaird's Sparrows only inhabit a small portion of their former range, due to their strong preference for native prairie for nesting.  As with other closely-related species, they are often difficult to observe, as they prefer to run along the ground rather than flush.  Baird's Sparrows have beautiful melodic songs compared to their close relatives such as the Grasshopper Sparrow.

Habitat:

Breeds in native prairies of tall grasses and scattered weeds and brush.  Will occasionally nest in wheat fields.  Found in agricultural fields, grasslands, and prairies during migration.

Diet:

Primarily feeds on insects and spiders in the summer, along with seeds.  Winter diet is primarily seeds of weeds and grasses.

Behavior:

 Usually stays on the ground, foraging alone.  They are only rarely found in the open, primarily only males when singing during the breeding season.

Nesting:

June and July

Interactive eBird Map:

Click to access an interactive eBird map of Baird's Sparrow sightings

Song:

A clear high-pitched jumble.  The call is a high-pitched but quiet tweep.

Migration:

Summers locally in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and adjacent portions of Canada.  Winters in the extreme southwestern U.S. and southward.

Similar Species:

Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow

Conservation Status:

Has shown a great decline in numbers and range since the 1800's due to habitat loss.

Further Information:

Photo Information:

July 23rd, 2011 - Grand River National Grasslands, Perkins County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos:

Click on the text links or image chips below for additional higher-resolution photos of this species.

 

Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view
Baird's Sparrow - Range Map
South Dakota Status: Uncommon migrant and summer breeding resident in the northwest and northcentral part of the state.  Rarely detected migrant in the remainder of the state.

Additional Baird's Sparrow Photos

Click for a higher-resolution version of these photos
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