Sparrows of North Dakota

Unstreaked Sparrows

1. Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida
Length-5 1/2 inches
BREEDING SPECIES

The top of this sparrow's head (crown) is brown with black streaks and a distinct whitish stripe running down the center. There is a white line running above the eye from the beak to the back of the head (eyebrow). A dark stripe runs from behind the eye to the back of the head (postocular stripe). The cheek is brown. A white stripe runs along each side of the throat. The back of the neck is gray. Exhibits two white wing bars. Sexes are alike. Juvenile birds have a streaked breast. Song is a series of insect-like buzzes. Common in brushy grasslands throughout the state. Feeds on the ground in low, brushy cover for grass seeds and weed seeds. Eats insects during the summer. Nests in shrubby pastures and edges of fields and farm shelterbelts. Nest found from ground level to about 4 feet high in dead grass or lower limbs of shrubs or trees. Nest made of grasses, fine twigs and weed stems.

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