Sage Sparrow -- South Dakota Birds

Sage Sparrow

Amphispiza belli

The Sage Sparrow is found in many open brushy habitats of the West.  The inland sub-species is much grayer and paler than the coastal subspecies, and research has indicated they may actually represent two different species.  While they breed as close as central Wyoming, they are only very rare visitors to South Dakota.  

Habitat: Breeds in open brushy country, in sagebrush habitats as well as brushy stands of saltbush, chamise, and other low shrubs of the arid West.  They winter in open flats, deserts, and dry chaparral of the Southwest.

Diet: Eats many insects, especially during the summer months.  Will also feed on seeds.

Breeding: No known breeding has occurred in South Dakota.

Song: A high-pitched series of musical phrases.  To listen to this bird, click here to go to the "E-nature.com" site for the Sage Sparrow and click on "listen to this species".

Migrations: Those in western California are permanent residents, but most birds move southward into the deserts of the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico for the winter. 

Similar Species: Lark Sparrow

Feeders: Will come to feeders for baby chick scratch feed.

Status: They are still common throughout much of the Great Basin of the West.  However, given the extreme decline in sage habitats in the West, declines may be expected.

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

2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Sage Sparrow

3) eNature.com: Sage Sparrow

Photo Information: Out-of-state photo -- Taken in S.W. Idaho by Larry Barnes

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