Types of Sparrows - Kitchen Cabinets

Sparrows are a familiar sight in backyards and cities around the world. As one of the most widely distributed bird species, sparrows have adapted to live alongside humans. But while the house sparrow may be the most recognizable, there are actually several different types of sparrows. Each species has unique characteristics and adaptations that allow them to thrive.

What Makes a Bird a Sparrow?

Sparrows belong to the passerine family Passeridae. Passerine birds are sometimes called perching birds or songbirds. There are over 5,000 species of passerines, making it the largest bird order.

Sparrows share several traits that characterize the passerine family:

Three toes pointing forward, one toe pointing back: This arrangement helps passerines grasp and perch on branches. The back toe is especially long and strong for extra gripping power.
Cone-shaped beaks: Sparrows have short, thick beaks perfect for cracking seeds and grains. The size and shape vary among species.
Vocal abilities: Passerines use their syrinx, or voice box, to create complex calls and songs. Sparrows use vocalizations to communicate and defend territories.
Small bodies: Sparrows are small-sized birds, usually between 4.7-7.5 inches long and weighing 0.4-2.5 ounces. Their compact bodies are agile and allow them to forage in tight spaces.
Drab coloration: Most sparrows sport earthy brown, gray, or beige plumage. Bright colors or markings are rare, helping them blend into environments.
Frequent breeding: Sparrows can produce multiple broods per breeding season. Their reproductive strategy overcomes high mortality rates.

These shared traits unite the dozens of sparrow species around the world. But each type has unique adaptations that aid their survival.

House Sparrow

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of the most widespread sparrow species. As their name implies, these resourceful birds live alongside humans across most of the world.

Identifying traits of the house sparrow include:

Appearance: House sparrows have chunky bodies with full chests. Males have gray crowns, black markings on their wings and throats, and reddish-brown plumage. Females are tan-brown with subtle streaking.
Size: House sparrows grow to about 6-7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.5-9.1 inches. They weigh 1-1.5 ounces.
Habitat: True to their name, house sparrows thrive in areas populated by humans. They nest in man-made structures and scavenge for food around farms, parks, and urban areas.
Range: House sparrows are native to Europe and Asia but have been introduced widely across the Americas, Africa, and Australia. They can tolerate a broad range of climates and habitats.
Diet: House sparrows are omnivorous and eat grain, seed, fruit, and even garbage around human settlements. They also consume insects for protein.
Nesting: Females build globular nests out of grass, twigs, and feathers. Nests are placed in protected nooks and crannies on buildings. House sparrows may produce up to 4 broods per year with 4-6 eggs per clutch.
Behavior: Highly social and active birds. They form large, noisy flocks that squabble over food and roosting sites. Known for assertive behavior.
Conservation status: Least concern. Although house sparrow populations declined in their native Europe, they remain widespread and abundant where introduced.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Closely related to the house sparrow, the Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) prefers more rural settings across Europe and Asia. Their key traits include:

Appearance: Eurasian tree sparrows look very similar to house sparrows but have a black facial patch on white cheeks. Their black markings are bolder.
Size: They grow to about 5.9-6.3 inches long with a 7.5-8.3 inch wingspan. Weigh 0.6-1 ounce.
Habitat: Eurasian tree sparrows nest in tree cavities in open countrysides. Forage in agricultural fields and grasslands. More rural than house sparrows.
Range: Widespread breeding populations across Europe and temperate Asia. Introduced in some parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Diet: Mainly seeds of grasses and grains. Also insects, buds, berries and some human foods.
Nesting: Nests in old woodpecker holes or nest boxes. Clutch size is 4-8 eggs. Can raise 2-3 broods per year.
Behavior: Form loose flocks outside breeding season. Males sing from high perches. Both sexes help build nests and feed chicks.
Conservation status: Least concern. Populations decreasing in parts of range but remains common over wide regions.

While house and Eurasian tree sparrows may appear identical at first glance, their different habitat preferences and facial markings help set them apart.

Chipping Sparrow

With their crisp, rusty caps and black eyeline, chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina) add a pop of color across North America. Details about this species include:

Appearance: Adults have bright rufous crowns, gray rumps, and black stripes through their eyes. Their underparts are pale gray and they have a dark bill.
Size: Grows to 5.5-6.3 inches long with a wingspan of 8.3-9.4 inches. Weigh about 0.4 ounces.
Habitat: Found in open woodlands across much of North America. Nest in conifers or shrubs. Favor forest edges and parks.
Range: Summer breeding range stretches across Canada into Alaska and throughout the continental United States. Winters in southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America.
Diet: Feeds mainly on seeds and insects. Favors small seeds like grasses and dandelions. Also eats fruits and nectar.
Nesting: Builds an open cup nest out of grasses and rootlets, lined with hair or feathers. Lays 3-5 light blue eggs.
Behavior: Call is a loud, repetitive chip note. Forms loose flocks in winter. Males sing their distinct trill from high perches.
Conservation status: Least concern. Population remains widespread and abundant though vulnerable to habitat loss.

The chipping sparrow’s rusty crown and black eyeline make it easy to identify as it hops through North American brush.

American Tree Sparrow

The American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea) is a winter visitor to backyards and fields across much of North America. Its key features include:

Appearance: Rusty cap, gray face, and black spot on unstreaked breast. Resembles a chipping sparrow but has a bi-colored bill.
Size: About 6 inches long with a 9-inch wingspan. Weighs 0.6-0.7 ounces.
Habitat: Breeds in Arctic and subarctic tundra. Winters in open habitats across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Range: Summers in Alaska and Canada. Winters across most of U.S. and into central Mexico.
Diet: Feeds on seeds, grasses, berries, and insects. Samples many foods during winter scavenging.
Nesting: Female builds nest on the ground concealed by vegetation. Lays up to 7 eggs. Raises one brood per short summer season.
Behavior: Forages in flocks during winter but territorial during breeding season. Males sing a sweet warbling song from perches.
Conservation status: Least concern. Has a vast range and populations are considered stable.

The American tree sparrow’s rusty cap and spotted breast help birdwatchers distinguish it from look-alike species when it visits backyards during winter.

Grasshopper Sparrow

True to its name, the grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) relies on expansive grasslands across much of North America. Identifying features include:

Appearance: Upperparts are brown, black, and gray. Breast is pale yellow with dark streaks. Face has gray cheek patch and yellow spot above bill.
Size: Length is 4.7-5.5 inches with a wingspan of 7.5-8.7 inches. Weigh just 0.4-0.6 ounces.
Habitat: Found in large open grasslands and prairies. Rarely occurs in areas smaller than 100 acres. Needs thick ground cover.
Range: Breeds from coast to coast in Canada south to Mexico. Winters in southern U.S. states into Mexico. Overall range has declined.
Diet: Feeds mostly on insects like grasshoppers as well as seeds. May eat berries, snails, or crustaceans seasonally.
Nesting: Female builds domed grass nest on the ground. Lays 3-6 eggs once per season. Young leave nest at 10-12 days old.
Behavior: Secretive. Spends time low in vegetation. Male’s song is an insect-like buzz. Crouches and freezes when threatened.
Conservation status: Near threatened. Experienced steep population declines due to habitat loss. Sensitive to development and agriculture.

The grasshopper sparrow’s cryptic plumage allows it to disappear into grassland habitats that have diminished over time. Protecting its prairie breeding grounds is crucial.

Golden-crowned Sparrow

A flashy yellow crown adorns this western sparrow. Here are the golden-crowned sparrow’s (Zonotrichia atricapilla) standout traits:

Appearance: Bold yellow stripe on head contrasts dark gray cheeks. Streaked brown back and wings. Underparts are gray. First-year birds lack crown.
Size: About 7 inches long with 9-inch wingspan. Weigh 1-1.4 ounces.
Habitat: Breeds in Alaskan and northwestern Canadian scrublands and forests. Winters along the Pacific coast down to Baja.
Range: Breeding range limited to the far north and western regions. Winters along western coast of North America.
Diet: Seeds, berries, and terrestrial insects. Probes ground for seeds and overturns debris seeking insects.
Nesting: Builds nest of grasses and twigs near the ground. Lays 3-5 pale green eggs once per season.
Behavior: Forms flocks in winter. Males sing a complex, buzzy trill. Young leave nest at 11-14 days.
Conservation status: Least concern. Has a limited range but populations are considered stable.

The golden-crowned sparrow’s vibrant yellow crown makes it stand out among wintering birds along the Pacific coast.

White-crowned Sparrow

Another boldly-marked western species, the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) sports a namesake white cap. Key facts about this species include:

Appearance: Striking black and white striped crown. Gray face and pink bill. Streaked brown back.
Size: About 7 inches long with a 9-inch wingspan. Weigh 1-1.4 ounces.
Habitat: Breeds in brushy, open habitat in western North America. Winters along Pacific coast and southern states.
Range: Breeds from northwestern Canada down to California. Winters along coast and southern states into Mexico.
Diet: Eats insects, seeds, and berries. Forages on the ground flipping over debris.
Nesting: Female builds nest in low bushes or small trees. Lays 2-6 eggs once per season.
Behavior: Forms loose flocks in winter and mixes with other sparrow species. Sings a clear, whistled song.
Conservation status: Least concern. Stable population across wide range though some local declines noted.

The white-crowned sparrow’s bold black-and-white crown makes this common species easy to identify as it forages in yards and brushy areas of the west.

Fox Sparrow

The fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca) is aptly named for its overall rufous plumage and stealthy habits. Key identification points include:

Appearance: Rusty red upperparts, wings, and tail. Gray face and breast with heavy spotting. Reddish-brown stripes on back.
Size: About 6.3-7.1 inches long with a wingspan of 10.2 inches. Weigh 1.3-2.2 ounces.
Habitat: Thick underbrush in boreal forests, wooded swamps, and western mountains. Nests on or near ground.
Range: Breeds across Canada, Alaska, and western mountains. Winters in southern and eastern states.
Diet: Seeds, fruits, buds, and insects. Uses strong feet to hop and kick litter seeking food.
Nesting: Builds concealed ground nest. Lays 3-5 eggs. Chicks leave nest at 9-12 days old.
Behavior: Secretive and solitary. Scratches with both feet to uncover food. Winter flocks often single-species.
Conservation status: Least concern. Dealing with habitat loss but populations are currently stable.

The fox sparrow’s rusty plumage provides camouflage as this shy sparrow scours the underbrush of northern forests in its endless search for seeds.

Song Sparrow

With one of the most recognizable songs of any North American bird, the aptly named song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) sings its tune from coast to coast. Key points about this vocal virtuoso include:

Appearance: Round head and long rounded tail. Thick brown streaking on buff underparts. Dark spot on unstreaked breast.
Size: About 5.9-6.7 inches long with a wingspan of 7.5-9.4 inches. Weigh 1-1.4 ounces.
Habitat: Thrives in brushy areas and thickets throughout North America. Common in backyard shrubbery and woodland edges.
Range: Resident across most of the United States, Mexico, and southern Canada. Northern birds migrate south.
Diet: Eats a combination of seeds, fruits, and insects. Known to sample from bird feeders.
Nesting: Bulky nest built low in dense branches. Lays 3-5 eggs up to 4 times per year.
Behavior: Sings its complex, melodic song from perches to defend territory. Often sings year-round.
Conservation status: Least concern. Abundant and widespread, though vulnerable to habitat disruption.

Thanks to its melodious voice, the song sparrow’s presence is hard to miss as it belts out its tunes from neighborhood bushes and thickets across North America.

Vesper Sparrow

A classic grasslands bird, the vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) inhabits open habitats across much of North America. Its key features include:

Appearance: Streaked brown plumage and white outer tail feathers. Yellow spot before eyes and pale brown stripes on back.
Size: About 5.5-6.3 inches long with an 8.7-inch wingspan. Weigh 0.4-0.7 ounces.
Habitat: Short-grass prairies, pastures, meadows. Needs elevated perches like fences, shrubs, or rocks.
Range: Breeds from western Canada throughout the western and northeastern U.S. Winters in southern states and Mexico.
Diet: Mostly seeds and grains. Also insects including beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars.
Nesting: Ground nester. Builds nest of grasses hidden at base of overhanging vegetation. Lays 3-6 eggs.
Behavior: Sings beautiful evening song from high perches. Forms loose winter flocks. Both parents feed nestlings.
Conservation status: Least concern but decreasing across parts of range due to habitat loss. Sensitive to development.

Best known for its lovely evening singing performances, the vesper sparrow is a grassland songbird that relies on open terrain across much of the continent.

Savannah Sparrow

Ubiquitous in fields and marshes across North America, the savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is a common sight in rural settings. Its key traits include:

Appearance: Streaked brown upperparts. Whitish with bold streaks below. Pale yellow supercilium and median crown stripe.
Size: About 4.7-5.9 inches long with a wingspan of 7.5-8.7 inches. Weigh 0.4-0.7 ounces.
Habitat: Open grassy areas including meadows, pastures, prairies, marshes, and agricultural fields.
Range: Breeds across Canada and the entire continental United States. Winters along the U.S. coast and from Mexico southward.
Diet: Eats mainly insects in summer including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. Seeds and grains at other times.
Nesting: Simple grass nest built on ground in small depression. Lays 3-6 eggs once or twice per season.
Behavior: Males sing from low perches and in