The Field Sparrow is a small, long-tailed sparrow
of brushy fields and shrublands. They have greatly benefited from man's forest
clearing activities, as the brushy second-growth forest is the perfect habitat
for them. Their energetic songs can be heard on even the hottest of days
when most other birds are temporarily dormant.
Habitat: Prefers
brushy areas, such as brushy fields, woodland edges, hedgerows and fencelines,
and second growth forest.
Diet: The majority of the summer diet is insects and spiders,
along with seeds. The majority of the winter diet is seeds.
Behavior: Field Sparrows typically forage low in
brush or other vegetation, or on the ground. Males are very frequent
singers from higher perches, however, as they defend territory.
Nesting: June and July
Migration: They are permanent residents throughout
much of the eastern United States. Birds towards the northern end of
their range, such as those in the Dakotas, do migrate southward in the
winter.
Status: Numbers increased greatly following European colonization, due to clearing of
forest lands. Numbers have declined over the past century as forest areas
have regrown. Still widespread and abundant, however.
Feeders: Will attend feeders for various small
grains.
2)
Cornell University's "All About Birds - Field Sparrow"
3)
eNature.com:
Field Sparrow
Photo Information: September 30th, 2008 - Newton
Hills State Park, South Dakota - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or
text links below for additional, higher-resolution Field Sparrow photos.
