Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

Generally found alone or in pairs, Lincoln's Sparrows can be easily overlooked during migration through the state as it moves through dense cover.  They can be sometimes be found at feeders during migration through South Dakota.

Habitat: Can be found in a wide variety of habitats during migration.  Is generally found in dense low cover in both its summer breeding grounds and its wintering grounds.

Diet: Seeds and insects.

Behavior: Usually forages on the ground or low in vegetation.  They often remain in thick cover and can sometimes be difficult to see.

Nesting: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Rapid trilled notes, with notes at the end louder and lower-pitched.

Migration: Summers throughout much of Canada and Alaska, as well as part of the mountain west.  Winters in the southern U.S. and points south.

Similar Species: Song Sparrow

Conservation Status: Widespread, numbers apparently stable.

Bird Feeders: Will attend feeders for a variety of seeds during migration through the state.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Lincoln's Sparrow

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

3) eNature.com: Lincoln's Sparrow

Photo Information: October 5th, 2008 - Minnehaha County, South Dakota - Terry Sohl

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