Sparrows- ORDER: Passeriformes
- FAMILY: Passerellidae
Basic Description
The Vesper Sparrow inhabits grasslands and fields across much of the northern United States and Canada. This streaky brown sparrow has a thin white eyering and flashes white tail feathers in flight; two features unique to the Vesper Sparrow. Although its most characteristic feature is a small chestnut patch on the shoulder, it's often hidden from view. As its name suggests, it frequently sings in the twilight of vespers—a sweet series of musical slurs and trills.
More ID InfoFind This Bird
This little brown job (LBJ) might be a bit easier to see than its other LBJ friends. Vesper Sparrows are less shy and frequently sing from elevated perches or forage out in the open. Because of their propensity to sing at twilight, a trip to an open grassy area at dusk during the breeding season is a good time to go looking for them. Scan tops of shrubs and fence posts for a perched sparrow in full song.
Other Names
- Chingolo Coliblanco (Spanish)
- Bruant vespéral (French)