Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center


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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.

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