The sparrow is a small, chirpy bird species found throughout the world in a variety of habitats. It is a common sight in many suburban and rural areas, and is considered to be one of the most successful bird species on the planet.
The sparrow is a hardy and adaptable species, surviving in a variety of habitats and weather conditions.
It is also a social bird, often seen in flocks foraging for food and nesting in communal areas. As a result, the sparrow has become a symbol of resilience and community.
1. House sparrow

The house sparrow is a small bird of the Passeridae family. It has an average length of 16 cm and weighs 24-39.5 gm.
Females have dull brown and grey plumage, whereas males are brighter, with black, white and brown markings on their wings and back feathers.
This species is one among 25 different kinds in its genus Passer .These birds are found all around the world mainly near human dwellings where they feed off food scraps from garbage bins or gardens etc..
They also make nests close to houses which makes them even more visible to people living nearby.
House sparrows can be seen hopping around yards looking for food during daytime hours but usually hide in colonies at night time.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passeridae |
Genus | Passer |
Species | P. domesticus |
2. Song sparrow

The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a small, yet abundant bird found in North America.
They have brown upperparts with dark streaks and are white underneath, complete with a distinct dark brown spot on the breast.
Their cap is also brown and long roughed feathers can be seen sprouting from their neck area.
This sparrow species is highly variable and adaptable to many different environments including dry brush land, wetlands or open fields.
It has been noted that adult song sparrows will sing even during winter months when other birds remain quiet.
These energetic little animals make for great backyard companions as they flit about singing their lovely melodies.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Melospiza |
Species | M. melodia |
3. Eurasian tree sparrow

The Eurasian tree sparrow is a passerine bird in the sparrow family, easily recognizable by its chestnut crown and nape as well as black cheek patches.
Both males and females have similar plumage, while young birds appear duller than adults.
This species has an extensive range covering most of temperate Eurasia and Southeast Asia where it goes by the name 'tree sparrow'.
It has also been introduced to other countries outside these regions. The bird feeds on grains, fruits and insects with preference for open areas near human settlements such as farmland or villages.
They are social creatures that can be found in small flocks all year round but do not migrate long distances like some species of their kind.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passeridae |
Genus | Passer |
Species | P. montanus |
4. American tree sparrow

The American tree sparrow, also known as the winter sparrow, is a medium-sized New World bird. It has an attractive rusty cap and grey underparts with a small dark spot on its chest.
Its back is rust colored and striped with lighter shades of brown while its wings have various shades of browns.
These birds are usually found in open areas such as grasslands or marshland during spring migration and can form large flocks when seeking food sources like seeds, insects or berries.
They nest in shrubs or trees near water sources but rarely do so far away from human settlements due to their dependence on supplementary foods provided by humans.
The American Tree Sparrow is a delightful sight for any nature enthusiast.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Spizelloides Slager & Klicka, 2014 |
Species | S. arborea |
5. White-crowned sparrow

The White-crowned Sparrow is a species of passerine bird native to North America. It has a grey face and black and white streaking on its upper head, making it easy to identify.
This sparrow usually breeds in brushy areas located in the taiga, tundra, Rocky Mountains or Pacific coast regions of North America.
During winter months these birds migrate southward as far as Mexico and California where they can be found living amongst chaparral shrubbery or low bushes near open fields with plenty of seeds nearby.
The diet of this bird consists mainly of insects during summer while they switch over to eating grains like wheat & oats during colder months when bugs are scarce.
They are known for their characteristic chirp which sounds like “Oh sweet Canada Canada” drawing admirers from around the world.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Zonotrichia |
Species | Z. leucophrys |
6. White-throated sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow is a small passerine bird of the New World sparrow family Passerellidae.
It has distinctive yellow and black stripes on its head, white throat and chest with grey back and wings, along with light brown legs.
The scientific name "Zonotrichia albicollis" comes from Ancient Greek for 'band' (ζώνη) referring to its distinctive striped crown, and Latin for 'white neck' (albus collum).
These birds are usually found in wooded areas such as coniferous forests or deciduous habitats in North America where they feed mainly on insects during summer months; transitioning to seeds during winter.
They build their nests near ground level using grasses, twigs or moss lined with feathers.
White-throated Sparrows may be solitary but also form flocks when migrating southward each fall season which typically occurs over mid-late October through November depending on location within range.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Zonotrichia |
Species | Z. albicollis |
7. Savannah sparrow

The Savannah Sparrow is a small, New World sparrow. It's the only bird in its genus, Passerculus and can be distinguished from other similar species by comparing mtDNA NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and 3 sequences.
Its closest relative is the Ipswich sparrow which was once considered an independent species but now it's seen as being part of the same family as this bird.
The male has yellowish-brown upper parts with darker streaks, white underparts with dark streaking on breast and flanks, orange wash to face sides plus two bold wingbars.
Females are slightly duller than males with less distinct markings on wings yet still showing some degree of variation between individuals across their range.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Passerculus |
Species | P. sandwichensis |
8. Chipping sparrow

The Chipping Sparrow is a small passerine bird found across most of North America. It has two subspecies, the eastern and western chipping sparrows which migrate seasonally to overwinter in warmer climates.
The birds are grey above with white underparts, have a rufous cap with black stripes and large eyes surrounded by light brown feathers.
They feed mainly on seeds but can also be seen eating insects during breeding season when raising their young chicks.
These intrepid little birds live in open grasslands such as prairies or meadows where they build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs to raise their young family.
Their cheerful song often sounds like ‘chips’ hence its name; Chipping Sparrow.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Spizella |
Species | S. passerina |
9. Field sparrow

The Field Sparrow is a small bird that can be found across North America. It has a gray head with rust-colored crown and white eye-ring, while its upper parts are brown streaked with black and buff feathers.
Its breast is buff colored, belly white, and the tail forked. There are two color morphs of this species; one being darker in color than the other.
They measure about 140 mm long and weigh 12.5 grams on average; feeding primarily on seeds from grasses or weeds as well as insects during summer months.
The field sparrow’s song is often described as sweet whistles which it sings from an exposed perch like fence posts or trees tops.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Spizella |
Species | S. pusilla |
10. Grasshopper sparrow

The Grasshopper Sparrow is a small sparrow from the New World. It inhabits grasslands and prairies, but will also colonize reclaimed grassland or crop fields.
This species prefers large areas of open grassland where it avoids trees and shrubs.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds, insects and spiders which it looks for on the ground while walking or running with occasional short flights to find food in tall vegetation.
The breeding season begins in late April when males sing their characteristic buzzy song to attract females; pairs build nests either low on the ground or aboveground among weeds and other cover plants.
These birds are key members of their native ecosystems as they control insect populations by feeding upon them as well as dispersing seed through consuming fruits.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Ammodramus |
Species | A. savannarum |
11. Saltmarsh sparrow

The Saltmarsh Sparrow is a small New World sparrow found in salt marshes along the Atlantic coast of the United States.
It was once thought to be part of the Sharp-tailed Sparrow species, but now it has been classified as its own species.
This bird is becoming increasingly endangered due to habitat loss caused by climate change and urbanization which destroys their natural habitats.
To help protect this beautiful bird, conservation efforts are being made such as creating wildlife refuges or restoring wetlands that provide essential food sources for them.
As long as we can take action on preserving these birds’ habitats, they may have a future chance at survival in our rapidly changing world.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Ammospiza |
Species | A. caudacuta |
12. Vesper sparrow

The Vesper Sparrow is a medium-sized New World sparrow that inhabits grassy fields and open woodlands. It's the only species in its genus, Pooecetes, which translates to 'grass dweller'.
Adults have light brown upperparts with darker streaking, as well as lighter underparts also with dark streaks. They are believed to be most closely related to Lark Sparrows.
Three features make them unique; they lack eye stripes or wing bars and have white outer tail feathers when seen from below during flight.
Their song is quite variable but often includes two distinct notes followed by a trill of higher pitched notes at the end - all together creating an ‘oh sweet Canada’ sound.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Pooecetes Baird, 1858 |
Species | P. gramineus |
13. Harris's sparrow

Harris's sparrow is a large, distinctive bird that is endemic to Canada. It breeds in the north part of central Canada, mainly in Northwest Territories and Nunavut with its range extending into Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
During winter it migrates southward to states such as South Dakota, Texas or Nebraska where they can be found foraging on grasslands or prairies.
Its plumage includes white underparts with brown streaking on the sides accompanied by a grey-brown crown and black bill which makes it easy to identify.
Although not endangered yet due efforts should still be taken for conservation since their habitat loss has been affecting them adversely over time.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Zonotrichia |
Species | Z. querula |
14. Swamp sparrow

The Swamp Sparrow is a medium-sized bird found in the New World, closely related to the Song Sparrow.
It has rusty and buff streaked upperparts with an unstreaked gray breast, light belly, white throat and striking rusty wings.
The male's head features a rust-coloured cap while both genders have grey faces with dark lines through their eyes.
Their bills are short and conical in shape which helps them feed on seeds as well as grains easily from ground or low vegetation.
They usually appear solitary but can also be seen foraging together near waterbodies such as swamps or marshes during migration season.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Melospiza |
Species | M. georgiana |
15. Fox sparrow

The Fox Sparrow is a large New World sparrow and the only member of its genus Passerella. It has heavily spotted and streaked plumage that stands out from other species in the family.
The adults are larger than most other sparrows, with a distinctive central breast spot on their chest that adds to their unique look.
They mainly inhabit forest areas but can also be seen in open grasslands during migration season or when searching for food sources such as seeds and insects.
Their diet consists of various types of berries, fruits, grains, worms, snails and more depending on where they are located.
These birds have strong legs which allow them to dig into soil while looking for food making it easier to find what they need even under thick layers.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Passerella Swainson, 1837 |
Species | P. iliaca |
16. Black-throated sparrow

The black-throated sparrow is a small bird native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.
It is known for its striking features, including black throats with white stripes on either side as well as buffy, white underparts.
They are also recognized by their long tails and dark upper parts, which often have yellowish or rusty markings near the wings.
The birds prefer arid habitats such as deserts and scrublands; however they can be found in other areas too during migration periods.
These adaptable creatures feed on insects, seeds and grains from plants like grasses or cacti - making them an important species when it comes to sustaining healthy ecosystems.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Amphispiza Coues, 1874 |
Species | A. bilineata |
17. Lincoln's sparrow

Lincoln's sparrow is a small passerine bird native to North America. It has brown upperparts, white underparts and a distinctive light-gray eyebrow line above its eyes.
The species usually stays hidden in thick ground cover but can be identified by its sweet, wrenlike song.
Lincoln's sparrow belongs to the genus Melospiza along with two other species: the Song Sparrow (M.melodia) and Swamp Sparrow (M. georgiana).
This elusive yet beautiful bird inhabits well-covered areas such as wetlands, grasslands, shrubland valleys, pastures and open woodlands across most of Canada and parts of northern USA throughout summer months before migrating south for winter season.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Melospiza |
Species | M. lincolnii |
18. Lark sparrow

The Lark sparrow is a large New World Sparrow and the only member of its genus Chondestes. It has an extensive range, breeding throughout southern Canada, much of the United States and northern Mexico.
While it is not as common in eastern parts of its range, with populations decreasing over time.
Resident birds can be found in Mexico and adjacent states but other birds migrate south for wintering grounds further away from their nesting sites.
The lark sparrow sports a distinctive black streak on either side of its white throat area which helps to identify them amongst similar looking species such as the clay-colored or Vesper Sparrows that share some overlapping habitat ranges across North America.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Chondestes Swainson, 1827 |
Species | C. grammacus |
19. Dark-eyed junco

The Dark-eyed Junco is a species of small, grayish sparrows that are found across much of temperate North America and in the Arctic during summer.
It was formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766, who named it after its distinctive dark eyes.
This bird has a very variable appearance due to the many different subspecies it contains, making its systematics difficult to unravel.
The plumage varies from white or light gray on their underparts with slate grey backs and wings; black heads with white outer tail feathers; brown head stripes; yellow bills; pink legs and feet; as well as various shades between all these colours.
They also have considerable sexual dimorphism where males tend to be more colourful than females but share similar characteristics such as short tails and rounded bodies – both sexes being around 16 cm long when fully grown.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Junco |
Species | J. hyemalis |
20. Bachman's sparrow

Bachman's sparrow is a small American bird native to the southeastern United States. It was named in honor of Reverend John Bachman and has rufous brown upperparts, gray face with a rufous eyestripe, white throat and underparts with black streaks on breast, sides and flanks.
Its wings are grayish-brown while its tail is rusty-brown with white tips. This species mainly feeds on seeds, insects and arthropods but occasionally also eats fruits such as berries or figs.
They prefer open pine savannahs for breeding where they build their nests among tangled shrubs at ground level near clearings or roadsides.
The female usually lays four eggs which hatch after about two weeks incubation period by both parents taking turns tending the nestlings until fledging occurs 12–14 days later.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Peucaea |
Species | P. aestivalis |
21. LeConte's sparrow

LeConte's sparrow is a small, secretive bird found in North America. It prefers to stay on the ground and can often be seen scurrying through tall grasses when disturbed.
These birds are notoriously difficult to spot and usually only flush at close distances of 1-3m.
They rarely take flight and instead opt for running away or hiding within vegetation if encountered by predators or humans alike.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds, fruits, insects and other invertebrates which they search for on the ground with their long bills adapted especially suited for this purpose.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Ammospiza |
Species | A. leconteii |
22. Rufous-crowned sparrow

The Rufous-crowned Sparrow is a small American passerine found in the Southwestern US and much of Mexico. It has twelve subspecies, typically distinguished by their range and plumage variations.
They have greyish to olive brown upperparts with light streaking and white under parts with dark streaks or spots on their breast, belly or flanks.
The most distinguishing feature of these birds are the rusty red crowns for which they are named after.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds from grasses and weeds as well as insects during spring & summer months when raising young chicks.
These birds inhabit open woodland edges, desert scrubland, rangelands & grasslands often near water sources like rivers or creeks making it easier to find food resources needed for survival throughout its range.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Aimophila |
Species | A. ruficeps |
23. Golden-crowned sparrow

The golden-crowned sparrow is a large New World bird found in the western part of North America. It belongs to the genus Zonotrichia, made up of five species and has no subspecies.
This bird is closely related to the white-crowned sparrow as studies show their mitochondrial DNA evolves at a similar rate.
The most recognizable feature on this beautiful creature are its distinctive yellow stripes near its forehead that appear almost like an orange crown when seen from afar.
Its plumage can range from grey browns in winter months, to dull yellows and oranges during breeding season which typically occurs between April and July.
These birds are often seen foraging through leaf litter or along grassy fields looking for seeds, insects and berries to eat while they sing sweet melodies throughout their habitat.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Zonotrichia |
Species | Z. atricapilla |
24. Spanish sparrow

The Spanish sparrow or willow sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) is a beautiful member of the passerine bird family Passeridae, found mainly in the Mediterranean region and south-west and central Asia.
With its striking colouration – having chestnut brown upperparts with black streaks on its back and wings, white underparts with greyish sidesand a distinctive black line running down either side of its head - it can easily be distinguished from other species.
It shares many physical characteristics with the closely related house sparrow but has some subtle differences such as being slightly smaller in size.
In addition to being an attractive species, they are also very sociable birds often nesting together in colonies making them easy to observe by birdwatchers alike.
Unfortunately hybridisation between these two species complicates their taxonomy which needs further research for clarification.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passeridae |
Genus | Passer |
Species | P. hispaniolensis |
25. Henslow's sparrow

Henslow's sparrow is a small passerine bird in the family Passerellidae named after John Stevens Henslow.
It has streaked brown upperparts, light brown breast with streaks, white belly and throat, and a pale stripe on its crown.
It also has yellowish-brown wings with black tips, long tail feathers that have central stripes of grey or rufous coloration edged by white lines.
Male birds are slightly larger than females and may sport brighter plumage during mating season when they sing to attract mates from nearby shrubbery or grassland habitats where they usually reside in pairs or groups of up to four individuals.
Despite their shyness around humans these birds provide important environmental services as part of food webs across North America due to their insectivorous diet which helps control pest populations near farms and gardens.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Centronyx |
Species | C. henslowii |
26. Clay-colored sparrow

The Clay-colored sparrow is a small, light brown bird found in North America. It has pale underparts with darker streaks on its back and a white line above the eyes that contrasts against its dark crown.
Its wings have wing bars and it also has a distinctive light brown cheek patch. Its short bill is typically pale in colour which adds to its unique appearance.
This friendly little bird often feeds near houses or gardens where they can easily find food sources such as seeds and insects while making cheerful chirps during their search for sustenance.
They are an important part of the local ecosystem since they help keep insect numbers down, allowing farmers to have better harvests without needing pesticides.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Spizella |
Species | S. pallida |
27. Brewer's sparrow

The Brewer's Sparrow is a small, slim sparrow native to North America. It has grey-brown upperparts with dark streaks on its crown and pale eye-rings.
Its wings are brown with light bars, while the underparts are pale grey in color.
The bill is mostly pale but tipped in dark colors and it has long tail feathers which help it maneuver through dense vegetation easily.
This bird was named after ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer for his contributions to bird study during the 19th century.
During winters they gather together in large flocks often seen perched atop tall shrubs or trees singing their distinct songs of "seet seet" or “tisi tsi” throughout the day as they search for food amongst thickets of grasses and other vegetation coverings near wetlands that provide necessary sustenance over winter months when insect populations diminish significantly due to cold temperatures prevailing outside at night time hours.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Spizella |
Species | S. breweri |
28. Olive sparrow

The Olive Sparrow is a species of American sparrow in the family Passerellidae. It has an olive-colored back, with white streaks on its sides and dark brown stripes above its eyes.
Its wings are also slightly darker than its body coloration. This small bird grows to be between 5.5 - 6.1 inches long and can typically be found in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras Mexico Nicaragua and southern Texas (Val Verde County).
The Olive Sparrow feeds mainly on insects but will eat some seeds as well as berries when they become available during certain times of the year making them omnivores by nature.
They usually make their nests high up in trees or bushes where there’s plenty of cover from predators such as hawks or owls which may prey upon them if given the opportunity to do so.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Arremonops |
Species | A. rufivirgatus |
29. Cassin's sparrow

Cassin's sparrow is a medium-sized passerine bird that inhabits the western regions of Nebraska and extends to north-central Mexico. It was originally described in 1852 by Samuel W.
Woodhouse, who gave it its species name in honor of John Cassin, an ornithologist from Philadelphia.
This sparrow is mainly brown with white streaks on its chest and belly area giving it a distinctive look amongst other birds within its range.
They usually live in grasslands or shrubby areas where they feed on seeds, insects and berries found there during different times of the year enough for them to survive.
Their song consists of several thin notes repeated rapidly which makes them stand out among others due to their unique call making them easily recognizable even if not seen directly.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Peucaea |
Species | P. cassinii |
30. Seaside sparrow

The Seaside sparrow is an American bird native to the coastal regions of North America. Its upperparts are a brownish color with gray on its crown and nape, while its breast has a gray-buff hue featuring dark streaks.
There's also a white throat and short, pointed tail which features a small yellow streak above the eye. The typical lifespan for these birds is 8 to 9 years maximum.
They prefer moist habitats such as marshes, mangroves and saltwater estuaries where they feed mostly on seeds and insects found in shallow waters or vegetation near shorelines.
During breeding season you can identify them by their singing males who sing from hidden perches during dawn or dusk hours.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Ammospiza |
Species | A. maritima |
31. Sagebrush sparrow

The Sagebrush Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow found in the western United States and northwestern Mexico.
It was recently moved to its own genus, Artemisiospiza nevadensis, after evidence suggested it differed from other species of Amphispiza.
The bird typically inhabits sagebrush habitats but can also be spotted amongst brushy stands of saltbush and chamise.
They have grayish brown crowns with white supercilium stripes that continue from their eyes down onto their neck's nape area.
Their underparts are pale buff colored with dark streaks on breast sides and flanks as well as gray tails having few narrow white edges along outer rectrices feathers.
This species prefers open shrublands for nesting while they feed mainly on insects during summer months when available, including seeds throughout winter season too.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Artemisiospiza |
Species | A. nevadensis |
32. Five-striped sparrow

The five-striped sparrow is a medium-sized passerine bird found along the eastern Gulf of California region and Pacific region of western Mexico.
It was formerly classified in the genus Amphispiza, with the black-throated sparrow as its only member.
This species has distinctive stripes across its back and wings; these are white or tan on top, while underneath they are brownish grey.
The head is lighter in color than other parts of this species' body and it has a thin bill that curves slightly downward at the tip.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, but it will also eat grains from nearby farms when available during breeding season.
This small but attractive bird provides an important ecological role within its habitat by helping to keep insect populations under control.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Amphispizopsis Wolters, 1980 |
Species | A. quinquestriata |
33. Rufous-winged sparrow

The Rufous-winged sparrow is a medium-small New World bird with an unmistakable appearance. Its face and supercilium are gray, while its crown has rusty tones.
It also sports rufous coverts on the wings that may not be visible at first glance. The back of this bird shows brown feathers streaked with darker colors, complementing its pale gray belly nicely.
A conical yellow bill completes the look as well as a long brown tail to give it some extra flair in flight. All these features make it easy to identify among other birds and makes for beautiful sight when seen up close.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Peucaea |
Species | P. carpalis |
34. Eastern towhee

The Eastern Towhee is a large New World sparrow, native to brushy areas of eastern North America. These birds have distinct black and white markings, with chestnut brown underparts.
They nest either low in bushes or on the ground beneath shrubs. Northern towhees are known for migrating south during the winter months.
In recent decades, taxonomy debates have left some questioning whether this bird should remain its own species or be grouped together with the Spotted Towhee as one species -- Rufous-sided Towhee.
This lively songbird has a bubbly personality and can often be seen hopping around on branches looking for food such as insects, fruits and seeds.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Pipilo |
Species | P. erythrophthalmus |
35. Nelson's sparrow

Nelson's sparrow is a small New World sparrow named after the American naturalist, Edward William Nelson. It was once considered to be part of a single species known as the sharp-tailed sparrow.
These birds have brownish upperparts with gray on their crowns and wings that are edged in white.
They have buffy underparts which become paler towards their bellies and they feature two prominent stripes along either side of their throats.
Males tend to be darker than females, particularly during breeding season when they can show chestnut patches on their heads and necks as well as black streaks down its flanks.
This bird prefers wet areas for nesting such as marshes, swamps or grasslands near water where it feeds mainly on insects but also consumes seeds from various plants including wild rice grains found in shallow waters nearby its habitats.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Ammospiza |
Species | A. nelsoni |
36. Green-tailed towhee

The Green-tailed Towhee is a small but impressive bird, belonging to the American sparrow family Passerellidae.
It has an extensive breeding range across much of the interior Western United States, and winters in Mexico and parts of Southwestern US.
The most noticeable feature of this towhee is its bright green stripes on the edge of each wing - what makes it stand out among other birds.
Its diet consists mostly of insects, seeds and berries which they search for on or near ground level by hopping around.
During nesting season these birds can be heard singing their melodic song from dense shrubs and trees where they build their nests with grasses, twigs and leaves lined inside with fur or feathers for insulation.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Pipilo |
Species | P. chlorurus |
37. Black-chinned sparrow

The Black-chinned Sparrow is a small, slim bird found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has gray plumage with reddish-brown on its wings, tail feathers, and black chin.
Its long tail helps it to maneuver quickly through dense vegetation when searching for food or seeking shelter from predators.
This species migrates south after breeding during summer months while those living in Mexico are year-round residents of their habitat.
The diet consists mainly of seeds but they will also eat insects such as grasshoppers and caterpillars as well as spiders and other invertebrates for protein rich nutrition supplementing their seed based diet.
They require open habitats like grasslands to find food sources so conservation efforts focus on providing these important habitats throughout their range.
This includes avoiding land conversion into agricultural areas which could impact them adversely if not managed properly by local authorities.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Spizella |
Species | S. atrogularis |
38. Botteri's sparrow

Botteri's sparrow is a medium-sized bird found mainly in Mexico, with its breeding range extending into southeastern Arizona and southern Texas.
Despite the presence of small non-migratory populations there, this species faces threats due to habitat loss.
It was not seen in Arizona between the 1890s and mid-20th century, although some have since returned thanks to conservation efforts aiming at preserving their natural habitats.
They are mostly grayish brown birds that feature white stripes on their heads and wings, as well as whitish or pale yellow bellies which make them easily recognizable among other passerines.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Peucaea |
Species | P. botterii |
39. Baird's sparrow

The Baird's Sparrow is a small, migratory bird native to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
It has a yellow-brown face with subtle black markings and brown streaks on its chest that are unique among other sparrows.
Its wings are dark grayish-brown edged with white specks on the secondaries while its tail feathers have faint tan or grey barring.
The underparts of this species range from pale buffy to pinkish in coloration depending on their age and sex.
Overall it is an attractive little songbird which can be found living amongst low shrubs in open grasslands near water sources during migration season.
When not migrating these birds will usually move into drier habitats such as sagebrush steppes for nesting purposes where they build cup shaped nests lined with dried vegetation material close to ground level within plant cover such as long grasses and ditches.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Centronyx |
Species | C. bairdii |
40. Striped sparrow

The striped sparrow is a unique species of bird found only in Mexico. It belongs to the Passerellidae family and has no known subspecies within its own genus, Oriturus.
This small but colorful bird is found mainly in subtropical or tropical montane forests as well as temperate grasslands.
Its feathers are a mixture of black and white stripes with some reddish-orange patches on their wings, making them one of the most distinct looking birds around.
Striped sparrows feed mostly on insects such as caterpillars which they catch by darting through thick foliage or hovering over short vegetation before swooping down to capture their prey.
Despite being endemic to Mexico, they can still be seen across parts of North America due to migration patterns allowing them access into other countries each year.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Oriturus Bonaparte, 1850 |
Species | O. superciliosus |
41. Italian sparrow

The Italian sparrow (Passer italiae) is a species of passerine bird found in Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean region.
It has an appearance that lies between the house sparrow and Spanish Sparrow, both closely related to eachother.
The head, back and wings are brown while its chest is lighter colored with some grey shading on its sides.
Its tail feathers have white edges which can be seen when flying or perching on trees. This small bird feeds mainly on insects but also eats grains such as wheat, oats and barley if available.
Breeding takes place from April until August during which time they build nests consisting of grasses lined with hair or fur for insulation inside tree cavities or buildings where four to five eggs may be laid at one time.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passeridae |
Genus | Passer |
Species | P. italiae |
42. Rufous-collared sparrow

The Rufous-collared Sparrow, also known as the Andean sparrow, is a common bird found in open habitats from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego.
It has distinctive brown and white streaks on its back, with a reddish collar around its neck.
This species can be heard singing throughout much of the year and their vocalizations have been studied extensively since the 1970s.
They are omnivorous birds that feed mainly on seeds but will also consume insects for protein during breeding season.
The Rufous-collared sparrow often lives near humans and is an important part of many ecosystems across South America due to its role in helping disperse plant seeds including those used by people for food or livestock fodder production.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Zonotrichia |
Species | Z. capensis |
43. Bell's sparrow

Bell's sparrow is a medium-sized bird commonly found in the western United States and northwestern Mexico.
This species can be identified by its light buffy underparts, brownish upperparts, and distinctive facial pattern with pale eyestripe.
There are four populations of Bell's Sparrow that inhabit the west: subspecies canescens breeds in south-central California; belli nominate subspecies lives throughout the coast ranges of California; clementeae resides on Santa Clemente Island off southern California; and australis occupies islands off northern Baja coastal region.
All have adapted to their respective local environments to cope with scarce water resources or other environmental pressures such as predators or competitors for food sources.
These birds also have different habitat preferences based on geographic location which include scrub habitats, grasslands and chaparral regions.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Artemisiospiza |
Species | A. belli |
44. Stripe-headed sparrow

The Stripe-headed Sparrow is an American bird that breeds in the Pacific coastal south-western Mexico and northern Costa Rica.
It prefers to live in savannahs, scrubby areas, and lowlands up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft) in altitude.
They are quite common birds with a distinct look; they have white stripes on their heads which helps them stand out from other species of sparrows.
The rest of its body is mostly greyish brown or tan with dark brown streaks along its back as well as some yellow feathers around the face area for further distinction.
These birds feed mainly on grasses and grains but also enjoy insects such as beetles whenever possible.
All in all these small yet beautiful creatures make for lovely additions to any backyard or outdoor space you may have.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Peucaea |
Species | P. ruficauda |
45. Lapland longspur

The Lapland longspur is a passerine bird of the Calcariidae family, which has been differentiated from Old World finches.
It gets its name from its hindfoot claws that are considerably longer than usual for most birds.
The genus Calcarius in Latin translates to "spurs", while lapponicus refers to Lapland where it can be commonly found.
This small sparrow-like bird with black and brown plumage measures around 15 cm in length and weighs just 20 gm on an average.
They feed mainly on seeds and insects during summer months but consume mostly leftover grain by humans when cold winter sets in.
These nomadic species migrate southwards every year before temperatures start dropping too low, making them truly fascinating creatures.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Calcariidae |
Genus | Calcarius |
Species | C. lapponicus |
46. Spotted towhee

The spotted towhee is a large New World sparrow, easily recognizable by its distinctive black and white feathers. It's native range stretches from the Pacific Northwest to parts of Mexico and Central America.
Its call can be harsher than the eastern towhee, with a more varied repertoire including whistles, trills, chirps and rattles.
This bird was once considered to be part of one species known as rufous-sided towhees until 1995 when it was formally classified into two separate species - the spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus) & eastern towee (Pipilio erythrophthalmus).
They prefer habitats such as dense shrubbery or thickets near open areas like meadows or fields making them hard to spot in their natural environment but they are quite common across much of North America.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Pipilo |
Species | P. maculatus |
47. Black-chested sparrow

The black-chested sparrow is an endemic species of bird that lives in Mexico. It resides mainly in subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, as well as high-altitude shrublands.
This beautiful creature has a unique appearance with its brown and white patterned plumage and vibrant yellow patch on the throat. Its long tail feathers are also characteristic of this species, contrasting nicely against their otherwise dark coloring.
The black-chested sparrows have been observed to feed primarily on seeds, but will occasionally take insects from time to time when available . Their calls consist mostly of chirps interspersed with whistles which help them communicate within their flocks over large distances.
These birds may not be very common sight due to their small population size however they surely make for quite a spectacle whenever spotted.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Peucaea |
Species | P. humeralis |
48. Bridled sparrow

The Bridled Sparrow is an endemic species of bird found in Mexico. It belongs to the family Passerellidae and inhabits subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrublands.
This sparrow has a brown colouration with white stripes, giving it its distinct bridle pattern on its wings and head.
The birds build nests out of grasses and other materials they can find near their habitat which are usually located in trees or bushes close to streams.
They feed mainly on insects such as caterpillars, beetles and flies but also consume seeds when available.
As the population continues to decline due to human activities like logging, agricultural expansion, hunting etc., conservation efforts must be taken by local governments in order for this species remain stable enough so that future generations may enjoy them too.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Peucaea |
Species | P. mystacalis |
49. Oaxaca sparrow

The Oaxaca Sparrow is a species of bird found in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It typically lives in dry forests and thornscrub but its population has been slowly declining due to habitat loss.
The sparrow measures about 15 cm (5.9 inches) long and its plumage includes shades of brown, gray, white and black on both upperparts and underparts with streaks across the chest area which are more prominent during breeding season.
Its diet consists primarily of seeds although it will also feed on insects when available.
Conservation efforts have been put into place to help protect this endangered species from further decline such as protecting their habitats from destruction or disturbance by humans activities like logging or grazing livestock.
These actions can go a long way towards preserving these birds for future generations.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Aimophila |
Species | A. notosticta |
50. Rusty sparrow

The Rusty Sparrow is a beautiful species of bird found in Central America, from Belize to Nicaragua.
It inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist montane forests and high-altitude shrublands.
Its plumage is brownish gray with rusty margins on the feathers that give it its distinctive name.
The male has an eye ring and moustache stripe which are both white while females have only one whitish streak above their eyes but lack other distinguishing features.
These birds feed mostly on insects such as beetles and ants by foraging among tree foliage or hunting them at ground level.
They also consume small fruits like figs which provide essential moisture during dry periods when there’s little water available for drinking purposes.
Despite its attractive coloring and interesting behavior, this species faces habitat loss due to deforestation activities as well as predation by larger animals so conservation efforts should be made to ensure these wonderful creatures don’t become extinct in our lifetime.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Aimophila |
Species | A. rufescens |
51. Tumbes sparrow

The Tumbes sparrow is a medium-sized bird found in Ecuador and Peru. It has a broad, conical beak with the upper mandible being blackish and its lower mandible horn-colour.
Its natural habitats are dry forests and shrubland where it feeds on insects, seed, fruit from trees or plants.
This species of bird can grow up to 14 cm (5.7 inches) long making them easily recognizable for their size amongst other birds of similar colouration that inhabit the same areas as them in South America.
The Tumbes sparrow also uses vocalizations such as chirping songs to communicate with eachother while they fly around searching for food or shelter during bad weather conditions like rainstorms which occur frequently throughout the year in these tropical climates.
Scientific classification:Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passerellidae |
Genus | Rhynchospiza |
Species | R. stolzmanni |