The Black-chinned Sparrow is found in scattered areas of the southwestern U.S. and in Mexico, where it is most often found in dense, brushy habitat. They are named for the black "chin" (throat) that males exhibit during the breeding season. While locally common in their normal range, with their preference for dense, brushy areas, often on relatively inaccessible slopes, there are fewer confirmed details regarding breeding and feeding characteristics than with most other birds in the region.
Habitat:
The Black-chinned Sparrow inhabits dry, brushy hillsides and steep chaparral slopes featuring dense, low shrubs. They primarily breed in these arid upland areas (up to 8,000 feet) before moving downslope to desert scrub and open, arid brushlands during the winter.
Diet:
Feeds on both seeds and insects. Insects likely make up a large part of the diet during the summer months, and young are raised on insects. Seeds may comprise a larger portion of the winter diet, when insects are less available.
Behavior:
Most feeding is done by foraging on the ground, although they will also forage low in shrubs and other plants. Gregarious outside of the nesting season, Black-chinned Sparrows will forage in small flocks, oftentimes mixed with other sparrow species.
Nesting:
The nest is built very low to the ground, often within a few inches of the ground to 5 feet from the ground. The nest is built in a dense shrub (most often sagebrush), and is made of grasses, herbaceous plant stems, and yucca fibers. Both species incubate the eggs, and both parents help to raise the young.
Interactive eBird Map:
Click to access an interactive eBird map of Black-chinned Sparrow sightings
Song:
The male Black-chinned Sparrow produces a loud, distinctive song that starts with a few clear notes and accelerates into a rapid, mechanical trill . These songs, which feature high-pitched whistles and often rise in pitch, are typically delivered from exposed perches in dry chaparral habitats to advertise territory and attract mates. They also have a soft chip call.
Click here to hear the song of a Black-chinned Sparrow
Click here to hear the chip calls of a Black-chinned Sparrow
Migration:
Most birds in the United States are migratory. They tend to migrate quite early, in the late summer or early fall, moving to extreme southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and Mexico. Some birds in the far southern part of their U.S. range may be non-migratory. Most birds in the Mexican part of the range are non-migratory.
Feeders:
Will occasionally be found at feeders for seeds.
Similar Species:
Fairly distinctive if seen well. Possibly confused with Black-throated Sparrow , Five-striped Sparrow
Conservation Status:
There are currently no perceived major threats to Black-chinned Sparrow populations, and the IUCN cites it as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information:
December 10th, 2010 - Saguaro National Park, Arizona - Terry Sohl
