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Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A large sparrow, the Vesper Sparrow inhabits grasslands and fields across much of the north-central United States and Canada. As its name suggests, it often sings in the evening twilight, though it sings actively in early morning as well.

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Appearance

Sparrows
Sparrows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large sparrow.
  • Grayish brown.
  • Streaked chest and back.
  • White eyering.
  • White outer tail feathers.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but without hidden rufous in wing.

Range Map Help

Vesper Sparrow Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult

    Vesper Sparrow

    Adult
    • Rufous wing patch often hidden, hard to see
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Channel Islands, California, October 2004

Similar Species

  • Song Sparrow lacks white in tail feathers and distinct white eyering.
  • Savannah Sparrow has shorter tail, yellowish eyestripe, and lacks white eyering and white outer tail feathers.
  • American and Sprague's pipits have white outer tail feathers, but have thinner bills, walk instead of hop, and frequently bob their tails.