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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A furtive bird of open grasslands, the Grasshopper Sparrow takes its name not only from its diet, but also from its insect-like song. It is found during the breeding season across much of the eastern United States and Great Plains, nesting and feeding mostly on the ground.

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Appearance

Sparrows
Sparrows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird.
  • Mostly brownish, with an unmarked buffy breast.
  • Dark crown with a pale middle stripe.
  • Large head.
  • Short tail.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but with a band of streaks across breast.

Range Map Help

Grasshopper Sparrow Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Grasshopper Sparrow

    Adult
    • © Greg W.Lasley / CLO

Similar Species

  • Henslow's Sparrow has a streaked chest, an olive nape, and two stripes on the lower face.
  • Le Conte's Sparrow has a broad, bright buff-orange eyebrow stripe, gray cheek patch, streaks on the chest, and white median crown stripe.
  • Nelson's Sparrow has white stripes on its back, an orange breast, and a gray cheek patch.
  • Savannah and Baird's sparrows have streaks on their breasts.