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Field Sparrow Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Field Sparrows are small, slender sparrows with relatively short, conical bills, rounded heads, and somewhat long tails.

    Relative Size

    Smaller and more slender than a Song Sparrow; larger than a Black-capped or Carolina Chickadee.

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
      • Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (11-15 g)
      • Wingspan: 7.9 in (20 cm)

Regional Differences

Field Sparrows in the Great Plains tend to be larger, paler, and grayer than their brighter, browner counterparts in the East, although there is considerable overlap in both plumage and size. On Great Plains individuals, the only warm body coloration is restricted to the crown (but with a gray central crown stripe) and a bar at the shoulder. The back is brown with gray streaks.