Chipping Sparrow
A species of Spizella Sparrows Scientific name : Spizella passerina Genus : Spizella Sparrows
Chipping Sparrow, A species of Spizella Sparrows
Botanical name: Spizella passerina
Genus: Spizella Sparrows
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
Named after its distinctive "chip-chip" sound, the small chipping Sparrow is one of the most common sparrows in North America. It can be found in a wide range of habitats but it's very common in gardens and backyards throughout the continent. During the non-breeding season, this sparrow is easily confused with other sparrow species, while during the summer, when it mates, it develops recognizable white eyebrows and a rusty crown.
Size
12 - 15 cm
Life Expectancy
9.8 years
Nest Placement
Shrub
Clutch Size
2 - 7 eggs
Incubation Period
1 - 3 broods
Number of Broods
10 - 15 days
Nestling Period
9 - 12 days
Feeding Habits
Chipping Sparrow predominantly consume seeds from diverse grasses and herbs, supplementing with insects, particularly in breeding season for protein. Small fruits and spiders are occasional fare. Key seeds include Taraxacum officinale, Fallopia convolvulus, Melilotus spp., Stellaria media, and Chenopodium album. Foraging occurs on the ground in sheltered, edge environments year-round.
Habitat
Chipping Sparrow thrive in a variety of environments, from temperate to tropical regions. Favoring terrestrial habitats, they're often seen in forests, particularly scrub forests, as well as in urban and suburban settings. Chipping Sparrow prefer environments that blend open spaces for foraging with tree cover for nesting and shelter. Commonly associated with grassy forests and woodland edges, these birds readily adapt to parks and residential areas with shrubby vegetation or trees. They have an affinity for coniferous trees like evergreens when available, and in treeless areas, they may use aspen, birch, oak, pecan, and eucalyptus. Chipping Sparrow are even found at high altitudes, foraging up to the treeline in mountainous regions.
Nest Behavior
The female chipping Sparrow builds the nest unaided over 3-4 days, with the male standing guard. Despite starting nests in various locations, only one is completed for egg-laying. The care for eggs and hatchlings is a shared parental duty.
Nest Characteristics
Chipping Sparrow's nest is a loose cup shape, poised 3-10 feet above ground, often in evergreens or deciduous trees. Constructed by the female with dried grasses, rootlets, animal hair, and plant fibers, it measures about 4.5 inches wide by 2.2 inches deep, and can be somewhat transparent.
Dite type
Granivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Hulled Sunflower Seeds
Nyjer
Cracked Corn
Millet
Milo
Bird Feeder Type
Large Hopper
Small Hopper
Platform
Ground
Behavior
Chipping Sparrow exhibit territorial behavior during the summer, where males guard their nesting area from fellow chipping Sparrow but may coexist peacefully with different species if they keep a respectful distance from the nest. Outside the breeding season, chipping Sparrow become sociable, congregating in flocks to forage in grasslands and frequent bird feeders, showcasing a vigorous and relatively level flight pattern.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
New world sparrows Genus
Spizella Sparrows Species
Chipping Sparrow 
Download Picture Bird
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
Identify any bird by photo or sound in seconds
