Sparrows of North Dakota
Unstreaked Sparrows
4. Grasshopper Sparrow
- Ammodramus savannarum
- Length-5 inches
- BREEDING SPECIES
Small and chunky sparrow with a short tail and flat head. Top of head is dark
with a pale stripe running down the center. Yellow spot is present in most birds
between the eye and the beak. White eye ring. Upper breast is light brown and
whitish-gray below. Sexes similar. One of the most common grassland sparrows.
Found in prairies, pastures and hay fields throughout North Dakota. Song is
two high notes followed by grasshopper-like buzz. Eats most insects, especially
grasshoppers, but also earthworms, spiders, snails and seeds from grasses and
weeds. Nests on the ground at the base of a clump of grass, clover or other
vegetation. Nest made of grasses.
Previous Sparrow -- Lark Sparrow (
Chondestes grammacus)
Return to Sparrow List
Next Sparrow -- Swamp Sparrow (
Melospiza georgiana)
