In California, a rich avian tapestry unfolds with the presence of 25 diverse sparrow species, each contributing its unique charm to the state’s ecosystems.
These small yet significant birds carve out niches in various habitats, showcasing adaptability and resilience.
From the ubiquitous House Sparrow to the elusive Swamp Sparrow, California’s sparrow population spans a spectrum of colours, behaviours, and ecological roles.
This compilation delves into the captivating world of these feathered inhabitants, shedding light on their distinct characteristics, habitats, and their integral role in the intricate web of the state’s biodiversity.
Embark on a journey through the varied landscapes of California, where these 25 sparrow species thrive, leaving an indelible mark on the dynamic avian community of the Golden State. Stay focused.
25 Sparrows in California
Find out the diverse sparrows inhabiting California, each contributing a unique charm to the state’s avian tapestry.
From the adaptable House Sparrow to the captivating Grasshopper Sparrow, explore their distinct lifestyles, habitats, and characteristics.
Join this journey through the fascinating world of these small yet significant birds, showcasing California’s rich biodiversity and ornithological wonders.
1. House Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passer domesticus
- Life span: 4-7 years
- Size: 5.5-6.3 inches
- Weight: 0.85-1.4 ounces
- Food: Seeds, grains, insects
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches
- Status: Common
The House Sparrow, scientifically known as Passer domesticus, is a ubiquitous bird in California. Typically, these sparrows live for 4-7 years, displaying a size ranging from 5.5 to 6.3 inches and a weight between 0.85 and 1.4 ounces.
Their diet primarily consists of seeds, grains, and insects. With a wingspan measuring between 7.5 and 9.1 inches, House Sparrows are common and adaptable, often found near human habitats.
In California, House Sparrows exhibit a lifestyle characterized by their affinity for urban environments, where they thrive near human activities.
Their robust adaptability and social nature make them successful in various settings, from city parks to suburban neighbourhoods.
Their diet reflects their adaptability, as they forage on diverse foods, contributing to their widespread presence in the state.
2. California Towhee
- Scientific name: Melozone crissalis
- Life span: 2-5 years
- Size: 8.3-10.2 inches
- Weight: 1.1-2.3 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects, fruits
- Wingspan: 11.4 inches
- Status: Common
The California Towhee, scientifically called Melozone crissalis, is a distinctive sparrow species in California.
These towhees typically live for 2-5 years, displaying a size ranging from 8.3 to 10.2 inches and a weight between 1.1 and 2.3 ounces.
Their diet is diverse, consisting of seeds, insects, and fruits. With a wingspan measuring 11.4 inches, California Towhees are common and widespread across the state.
California Towhees showcase a lifestyle grounded in shrubby environments, chaparral, and suburban gardens in their Californian habitat.
They are known for their ground-foraging habits, scratching through leaf litter for insects and seeds.
Their melodious calls resonate in the brushy undergrowth, contributing to the distinctive soundscape of California’s diverse ecosystems.
The adaptable California Towhee remains a prevalent and engaging presence in the state’s avian community.
3. Song Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
- Life span: 3-4 years
- Size: 5.5-7.0 inches
- Weight: 0.8-1.1 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects, berries
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 inches
- Status: Common
The Song Sparrow, scientifically known as Melospiza melodia, is a common and widespread bird species in California.
With a 3 to 4 years lifespan, these sparrows exhibit a size ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 inches and a weight between 0.8 and 1.1 ounces. Their diet is diverse, including seeds, insects, and berries.
Featuring a wingspan of 7.9 to 9.8 inches, Song Sparrows are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, from urban gardens to marshes.
In their Californian lifestyle, Song Sparrows are known for their melodic and varied songs, with each individual often having a unique song pattern.
They are ground foragers, scratching through leaf litter to find food. Their plumage varies, but generally, they have a streaked appearance on their underparts and a distinctive central breast spot.
The adaptability and resilience of Song Sparrows contribute to their success in a wide range of environments across California.
4. Dark-eyed Junco
- Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 5.5-6.7 inches
- Weight: 0.7-1.1 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 inches
- Status: Common (winter visitor)
The Dark-eyed Junco, scientifically called Junco hyemalis, is a common winter visitor to California.
With a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, these juncos have a size ranging from 5.5 to 6.7 inches and a weight between 0.7 and 1.1 ounces. Their diet primarily consists of seeds and insects.
Featuring a wingspan of 7.5 to 9.8 inches, Dark-eyed Juncos are known for their diverse plumage, but they typically have a dark hood and white outer tail feathers during the winter months.
In their Californian lifestyle, Dark-eyed Juncos are ground foragers, often seen hopping on the ground in search of seeds and insects.
They are well-adapted to colder climates, and during the winter, they migrate to lower elevations, including parts of California, to escape harsher conditions in their breeding areas.
Their presence adds a touch of winter charm to the state’s gardens, parks, and wooded areas.
5. Spotted Towhee
- Scientific name: Pipilo maculatus
- Life span: 2-12 years
- Size: 7.1-8.7 inches
- Weight: 1.1-1.8 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects, berries
- Wingspan: 11 inches
- Status: Common
The Spotted Towhee, scientifically known as Pipilo maculatus, is a charismatic bird inhabiting California.
With a lifespan ranging from 2 to 12 years, these towhees measure between 7.1 and 8.7 inches and weigh between 1.1 and 1.8 ounces.
Their diet is diverse, including seeds, insects, and berries. Featuring an 11-inch wingspan, Spotted Towhees are commonly found in various habitats, from woodlands to scrublands.
Spotted Towhees lead a dynamic lifestyle characterized by their distinctive scratching and hopping on the ground for food.
Their striking black plumage with white spots adds to their allure, making them a delight for birdwatchers.
In California, they often inhabit dense vegetation, using their bold and clear calls to communicate with each other. Their adaptability and varied diet contribute to their success in various environments.
6. Golden-crowned Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia atricapilla
- Life span: 2-6 years
- Size: 6.7-7.5 inches
- Weight: 1.3-1.8 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 inches
- Status: Common
The Golden-crowned Sparrow, scientifically called Zonotrichia atricapilla, is an enchanting bird in California.
These sparrows have a lifespan of 2 to 6 years, measuring between 6.7 and 7.5 inches and weighing between 1.3 and 1.8 ounces.
Their diet primarily consists of seeds and insects. With a wingspan of 9.8 to 11.8 inches, Golden-crowned Sparrows are common in various habitats, from coastal scrub to mountain forests.
In their Californian lifestyle, Golden-crowned Sparrows are known for their distinctive markings, with a bold black crown contrasting with a bright yellow forecrown.
They often forage on the ground for seeds and insects, and their sweet, melodic calls add a pleasant ambiance to their surroundings. During the winter, they can be found in flocks, displaying a sociable aspect of their behaviour.
7. Savannah Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passerculus sandwichensis
- Life span: 2-5 years
- Size: 4.7-6.7 inches
- Weight: 0.5-1.0 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches
- Status: Common
The Savannah Sparrow, scientifically known as Passerculus sandwichensis, is a small but notable bird in California.
With a lifespan of 2 to 5 years, these sparrows measure between 4.7 and 6.7 inches and weigh between 0.5 and 1.0 ounces.
Their diet consists of seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 7.5 to 9.1 inches, Savannah Sparrows are common in various grassland habitats, including meadows and coastal areas.
Savannah Sparrows lead a lifestyle marked by their ground-nesting habits and affinity for open spaces.
Their distinctive streaked appearance helps them blend into the grassy landscapes they inhabit. They are known for their sweet, buzzy calls that resonate in their grassland territories.
During the breeding season, males engage in song flights to establish and defend their territories, adding a delightful aspect to the birdwatching experience in California.
8. Fox Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passerella iliaca
- Life span: 3-4 years
- Size: 7.1-7.9 inches
- Weight: 1.1-2.0 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 10.6-12.6 inches
- Status: Common
The Fox Sparrow, scientifically designated as Passerella iliaca, is an intriguing bird species thriving in California.
With a 3 to 4-year lifespan, these sparrows measure between 7.1 and 7.9 inches and weigh between 1.1 and 2.0 ounces. Their diet includes seeds and insects.
Featuring a 10.6 to 12.6-inch wingspan, Fox Sparrows are commonly found in diverse habitats, such as forests, shrubby areas, and gardens.
In their Californian lifestyle, Fox Sparrows are characterized by their rich, melodious songs and their distinctive reddish-brown plumage.
They are ground foragers, scratching through leaf litter to uncover seeds and insects. Their behaviour is often secretive and may be spotted foraging near dense vegetation.
Their migratory patterns add to the dynamic nature of their presence in the state, making them a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts.
9. Lincoln’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza lincolnii
- Life span: 2-3 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.9 ounces
- Food: Insects, seeds
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches
- Status: Common
Lincoln’s Sparrow, scientifically known as Melospiza lincolnii, is a captivating bird species found in California.
With a lifespan of 2 to 3 years, these sparrows measure between 4.7 and 5.9 inches and weigh between 0.5 and 0.9 ounces. Their diet consists mainly of insects and seeds.
Featuring a wingspan of 7.9 to 9.1 inches, Lincoln’s Sparrows are commonly found in wetland habitats, including marshes and brushy areas.
In their Californian lifestyle, Lincoln’s Sparrows are known for their secretive behaviour, often foraging near the ground in dense vegetation.
Their distinctive markings, including a finely streaked breast and a buffy-coloured face, contribute to their appeal. They are particularly associated with their sweet, trilling song that echoes in their marshy habitats.
Although they may not be as conspicuous as some other sparrows, Lincoln’s Sparrows add a subtle charm to California’s birdlife.
10. Lark Sparrow
- Scientific name: Chondestes grammacus
- Life span: 2-4 years
- Size: 6.3-7.1 inches
- Weight: 0.9-1.5 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.4 inches
- Status: Common
The Lark Sparrow, scientifically called Chondestes grammacus, is a distinctive bird species in California.
With a lifespan of 2 to 4 years, these sparrows measure between 6.3 and 7.1 inches and weigh between 0.9 and 1.5 ounces. Their diet includes seeds and insects.
Featuring a wingspan of 8.7 to 9.4 inches, Lark Sparrows are commonly found in open habitats, such as grasslands and scrublands.
In their Californian lifestyle, Lark Sparrows are recognized for their striking facial patterns, including bold chestnut-coloured cheek patches.
They are ground foragers, often spotted scratching the soil for seeds and insects. Their melodious and complex songs contribute to their charm, especially during the breeding season.
Lark Sparrows’ adaptability to natural and human-altered landscapes makes them notable in California’s diverse ecosystems.
11. Chipping Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella passerina
- Life span: 3-6 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches
- Status: Common
The Chipping Sparrow, scientifically known as Spizella passerina, is a charming bird species thriving in California.
With a lifespan of 3 to 6 years, these sparrows measure between 4.7 and 5.9 inches and weigh between 0.4 and 0.6 ounces.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 7.5 to 9.1 inches, Chipping Sparrows are commonly found in various habitats, including gardens, woodlands, and open areas.
Chipping Sparrows are characterized by their distinctive rusty-capped heads and crisp, musical songs in their Californian lifestyle. They are often seen foraging on the ground, pecking at seeds and insects.
Their adaptability to both urban and rural environments contributes to their widespread distribution in the state.
Chipping Sparrows are known for their social behaviour, often forming flocks during the non-breeding season, creating a lively atmosphere in their chosen habitats.
12. Rufous-crowned Sparrow
- Scientific name: Aimophila ruficeps
- Life span: 2-4 years
- Size: 5.5-6.7 inches
- Weight: 0.6-1.1 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 8.3-9.4 inches
- Status: Common
The Rufous-crowned Sparrow, scientifically designated as Aimophila ruficeps, is a captivating bird species in California.
With a lifespan of 2 to 4 years, these sparrows measure between 5.5 and 6.7 inches and weigh between 0.6 and 1.1 ounces.
Their diet includes seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.4 inches, Rufous-crowned Sparrows are commonly found in arid and scrubby habitats.
In their Californian lifestyle, Rufous-crowned Sparrows are known for their distinctive rufous-coloured crowns and greyish-brown plumage.
They are ground-dwelling birds, foraging for seeds and insects among low vegetation. Their territorial and secretive nature makes them a challenging yet rewarding find for bird enthusiasts.
The melodic and repetitive songs of male Rufous-crowned Sparrows contribute to the auditory richness of California’s diverse ecosystems, especially in chaparral and scrubland environments.
13. White-throated Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
- Life span: 2-8 years
- Size: 6.3-7.3 inches
- Weight: 0.9-1.3 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches
- Status: Common (winter migrant)
The White-throated Sparrow, scientifically known as Zonotrichia albicollis, is an enchanting winter migrant in certain parts of California.
With a lifespan of 2 to 8 years, these sparrows measure between 6.3 and 7.3 inches and weigh between 0.9 and 1.3 ounces.
Their diet includes a mix of seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 7.9 to 9.1 inches, White-throated Sparrows are commonly found in brushy and woodland habitats during the winter months.
In their Californian winter lifestyle, White-throated Sparrows stand out with their bold black and white stripes on their head, yellow lore, and a distinct white throat.
They are known for their melodic songs, adding a delightful touch to the winter bird chorus.
During the breeding season, these sparrows migrate to northern regions for nesting, making their winter presence in California a seasonal treat for birdwatchers.
14. Green-tailed Towhee
- Scientific name: Pipilo chlorurus
- Life span: 2-6 years
- Size: 6.7-7.5 inches
- Weight: 1.1-1.5 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 9.1 inches
- Status: Common
The Green-tailed Towhee, scientifically called Pipilo chlorurus, is a captivating bird species found in various parts of California.
With a lifespan of 2 to 6 years, these towhees measure between 6.7 and 7.5 inches and weigh between 1.1 and 1.5 ounces.
Their diet consists of seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 9.1 inches, Green-tailed Towhees are commonly found in brushy and mountainous habitats.
Green-tailed Towhees are characterized by their greenish-yellow rump and distinctive vocalizations in their Californian lifestyle. They forage on the ground, scratching through leaf litter for food.
Their adaptability to various elevations, from lowlands to mountainous areas, adds to their widespread distribution in the state.
Green-tailed Towhees contribute to the avian diversity of California with their vibrant plumage and unique behaviours.
15. Bell’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Artemisiospiza belli
- Life span: 2-5 years
- Size: 5.9-6.7 inches
- Weight: 0.8-1.2 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 8.3-9.1 inches
- Status: Common
Bell’s Sparrow, scientifically known as Artemisiospiza belli, is a unique bird species thriving in the arid habitats of California.
With a lifespan of 2 to 5 years, these sparrows measure between 5.9 and 6.7 inches and weigh between 0.8 and 1.2 ounces.
Their diet includes seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 8.3 to 9.1 inches, Bell’s Sparrows are commonly found in scrublands, deserts, and chaparral.
In their Californian lifestyle, Bell’s Sparrows exhibit variations in their appearance and vocalizations across different subspecies.
They are known for their cryptic plumage, helping them blend seamlessly into their arid environments. Bell’s Sparrows forage on the ground, utilizing their slender bills to extract seeds and insects.
Their specialized adaptations to arid landscapes make them a fascinating component of California’s diverse avian community.
16. Black-throated Sparrow
- Scientific name: Amphispiza bilineata
- Life span: 3-4 years
- Size: 5.5-6.3 inches
- Weight: 0.7-0.9 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 7.9 inches
- Status: Common
The Black-throated Sparrow, scientifically designated as Amphispiza bilineata, is a distinctive bird species inhabiting arid regions of California.
With a lifespan of 3 to 4 years, these sparrows measure between 5.5 and 6.3 inches and weigh between 0.7 and 0.9 ounces.
Their diet includes seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 7.9 inches, Black-throated Sparrows are commonly found in desert scrub, sagebrush, and rocky terrain.
In their Californian lifestyle, Black-throated Sparrows are known for their striking black bib and white eyebrow stripes, adding to their bold appearance.
They forage on the ground, utilizing their sharp bills to capture seeds and insects.
Their distinctive songs resonate in the arid landscapes they inhabit, and their adaptability to harsh environments showcases their resilience in California’s diverse ecosystems.
17. Brewer’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella breweri
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 4.3-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 7.5 inches
- Status: Common
Brewer’s Sparrow, scientifically known as Spizella breweri, is a petite bird species thriving in sagebrush habitats of California.
With a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, these sparrows measure between 4.3 and 5.1 inches and weigh between 0.3 and 0.4 ounces. Their diet includes seeds and insects.
Featuring a wingspan of 7.5 inches, Brewer’s Sparrows are commonly found in open sagebrush and grassy areas.
Brewer’s Sparrows are known for their subtle plumage in their Californian lifestyle, blending seamlessly into the sagebrush environment.
They forage on the ground, often hidden among the low vegetation. Their sweet and musical songs contribute to the acoustic tapestry of their habitats.
Brewer’s Sparrows are well-adapted to the semi-arid landscapes they inhabit, and their presence adds to the ecological diversity of California’s unique sagebrush ecosystems.
18. Vesper Sparrow
- Scientific name: Pooecetes gramineus
- Life span: 3-4 years
- Size: 5.9-7.1 inches
- Weight: 0.8-1.0 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 9.1-10.2 inches
- Status: Common (migratory)
The Vesper Sparrow, scientifically known as Pooecetes gramineus, is an enchanting migratory bird species in California.
With a lifespan of 3 to 4 years, these sparrows measure between 5.9 and 7.1 inches and weigh between 0.8 and 1.0 ounces. Their diet includes a mix of seeds and insects.
Featuring a wingspan of 9.1 to 10.2 inches, Vesper Sparrows are commonly found in grasslands, open fields, and meadows during their migratory seasons.
In their Californian lifestyle, Vesper Sparrows are characterized by their distinct eye-ring and chestnut shoulder patches. They forage on the ground, utilizing their sturdy bills to extract seeds and insects.
Their melodious songs are often heard during the breeding season, adding to the vibrant chorus of grassland habitats.
Vesper Sparrows contribute to the ecological balance of California’s grassy landscapes, showcasing the importance of these open areas for their migratory habits.
19. Abert’s Towhee
- Scientific name: Melozone aberti
- Life span: 2-5 years
- Size: 8.7-9.8 inches
- Weight: 1.6-2.5 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 10.6 inches
- Status: Common
Abert’s Towhee, scientifically called Melozone aberti, is a distinctive bird species found in California’s arid habitats.
With a lifespan of 2 to 5 years, these towhees measure between 8.7 and 9.8 inches and weigh between 1.6 and 2.5 ounces.
Their diet includes seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 10.6 inches, Abert’s Towhees are commonly found in desert scrub, chaparral, and riparian areas.
In their Californian lifestyle, Abert’s Towhees are known for their striking black facial markings and their preference for dense vegetation.
They forage on the ground, using their strong bills to flip leaf litter for food.
Their varied vocalizations include sharp chup calls and melodious songs, contributing to the auditory richness of their habitats. Abert’s Towhees showcase the adaptability of bird species in California’s arid landscapes.
20. Grasshopper Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammodramus savannarum
- Life span: 2-3 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 ounces
- Food: Insects, seeds
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches
- Status: Common (breeding)
The Grasshopper Sparrow, scientifically designated as Ammodramus savannarum, is a captivating bird species found in California during the breeding season.
With a lifespan of 2 to 3 years, these sparrows measure between 4.7 and 5.1 inches and weigh between 0.4 and 0.6 ounces. Their diet includes a mix of insects and seeds.
Featuring a wingspan of 7.5 to 8.7 inches, Grasshopper Sparrows are commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields.
In their Californian lifestyle, Grasshopper Sparrows are known for their subtle plumage and distinctive buzzing insect-like song.
They forage on the ground, often hidden among tall grasses, where they feed on insects and seeds. Their secretive nature and cryptic appearance make them a rewarding find for birdwatchers.
Grasshopper Sparrows contribute to the biodiversity of California’s grassy landscapes, emphasizing the importance of preserving these habitats.
21. Clay-colored Sparrow
- Scientific name: Spizella pallida
- Life span: 2-4 years
- Size: 5.1-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.8 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches
- Status: Uncommon (migratory)
The Clay-colored Sparrow, scientifically known as Spizella pallida, is an uncommon migratory bird species in California.
With a lifespan of 2 to 4 years, these sparrows measure between 5.1 and 5.9 inches and weigh between 0.5 and 0.8 ounces.
Their diet includes a mix of seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 7.5 to 8.7 inches, Clay-colored Sparrows are typically found in grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands during their migratory periods.
Clay-coloured Sparrows are recognized in their Californian lifestyle for their pale plumage and distinctive clay-coloured crown.
They forage on the ground, utilizing their sharp bills to extract seeds and insects. Their buzzy and trill-like songs contribute to the soundscape of their chosen habitats.
While less common than some other sparrows, the presence of Clay-colored Sparrows highlights the importance of maintaining diverse habitats in California for migratory bird species.
22. Swamp Sparrow
- Scientific name: Melospiza georgiana
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 5.1-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.6-0.8 ounces
- Food: Insects, seeds
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches
- Status: Common (migratory)
The Swamp Sparrow, scientifically known as Melospiza georgiana, is a common migratory bird species in certain parts of California.
With a 3 to 5-year lifespan, these sparrows measure between 5.1 and 5.9 inches and weigh between 0.6 and 0.8 ounces.
Their diet includes a mix of insects and seeds. Featuring a wingspan of 7.9 to 9.1 inches, Swamp Sparrows are commonly found in wetlands, marshes, and brushy areas during their migratory periods.
In their Californian lifestyle, Swamp Sparrows are characterized by their rusty cap and distinctive facial markings.
They forage on the ground, utilizing their long bills to probe for insects and seeds in the wetland vegetation. Their melodic songs contribute to the atmospheric soundscape of marshy habitats.
The presence of Swamp Sparrows underscores the importance of preserving and protecting wetland ecosystems in California.
23. Harris’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Zonotrichia querula
- Life span: 4-7 years
- Size: 6.7-7.9 inches
- Weight: 1.3-1.8 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 inches
- Status: Uncommon (winter visitor)
Harris’s Sparrow, scientifically referred to as Zonotrichia querula, is an uncommon winter visitor to certain regions of California.
With a 4 to 7-year lifespan, these sparrows measure between 6.7 and 7.9 inches and weigh between 1.3 and 1.8 ounces.
Their diet includes seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 10.2 to 11.0 inches, Harris’s Sparrows are typically found in brushy and open habitats during their winter visits.
In their Californian lifestyle, Harris’s Sparrows are known for their large size and distinct black bib on their otherwise white underparts.
They forage on the ground, often scratching through leaf litter for seeds and insects.
The presence of Harris’s Sparrows during the winter months adds to the diversity of California’s avian landscape, making them a sought-after species for birdwatchers.
24. Lark Bunting
- Scientific name: Calamospiza melanocorys
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 6.7-7.9 inches
- Weight: 1.2-1.6 ounces
- Food: Seeds, insects
- Wingspan: 10.2-11.8 inches
- Status: Common (breeding)
The Lark Bunting, scientifically known as Calamospiza melanocorys, is a common bird breed in certain parts of California.
With a lifespan of 3 to 5 years, these buntings measure between 6.7 and 7.9 inches and weigh between 1.2 and 1.6 ounces.
Their diet includes seeds and insects. Featuring a wingspan of 10.2 to 11.8 inches, Lark Buntings are commonly found in grasslands, prairies, and open fields during the breeding season.
In their Californian lifestyle, Lark Buntings are known for their striking black and white plumage, especially in males during the breeding season.
They forage on the ground, utilizing their stout bills to extract seeds and insects from grassy vegetation. Their melodious songs and energetic flights contribute to the lively atmosphere of their chosen habitats.
Lark Buntings highlights the importance of preserving open landscapes to conserve grassland bird species in California.
25. Nelson’s Sparrow
- Scientific name: Ammospiza nelsoni
- Life span: 1-2 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 ounces
- Food: Insects, seeds
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches
- Status: Uncommon (migratory)
Nelson’s Sparrow, scientifically designated as Ammospiza nelsoni, is an uncommon migratory bird species in California.
With a relatively short lifespan of 1 to 2 years, these sparrows measure between 4.7 and 5.1 inches and weigh between 0.4 and 0.6 ounces.
Their diet includes a mix of insects and seeds. Featuring a wingspan of 7.5 to 8.7 inches, Nelson’s Sparrows are typically found in coastal marshes, wetlands, and grassy habitats during their migratory periods.
In their Californian lifestyle, Nelson’s Sparrows are characterized by their subtle plumage and finely streaked appearance.
They forage in the dense vegetation of coastal marshes, utilizing their slender bills to capture insects and seeds.
Despite being less common, the presence of Nelson’s Sparrows in California emphasizes the ecological importance of preserving and restoring coastal wetland habitats.
Wrapping Up
California’s sparrows bring vibrancy to diverse ecosystems, emphasizing the state’s commitment to avian conservation.
Each species plays a crucial role, from the secretive Swamp Sparrow in wetlands to the striking Lark Bunting in grasslands.
Understanding and appreciating these small wonders fosters a deeper connection with California’s rich biodiversity, encouraging ongoing efforts to preserve their habitats. Thank you so much.