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Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Savannah Sparrow Photo

© Kevin T. Karlson

From meadows to marshland, and from temperate coastlines to tundra, the Savannah Sparrow is found in various open habitats throughout much of North America. It varies widely across its range, with 17 recognized subspecies.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Sparrows
Sparrows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird.
  • Brown or grayish-brown overall.
  • Streaking on back, breast, and flanks.
  • Yellowish eyebrow stripe.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but buffier and with crown stripe indistinct.

Range Map Help

Savannah Sparrow Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Many birds of open country, including other sparrow species, are also brown and streaked.
  • Vesper Sparrow has a bold white eyering and white outer tail feathers.
  • Song Sparrow is larger, with a longer tail, a rounded tail tip, and a thick mustache stripe. Shows large chest spot, but Savannah can show one too.
  • Species of the genus Ammodramus, such as Grasshopper Sparrow and Baird's Sparrow, show buff tones in the face and breast, and have unnotched, often spiky tails