Sparrows of North Dakota
Streaked Sparrows
8. Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
- Ammodramus nelsoni
- Length-4 3/4 inches
- BREEDING SPECIES
Small sparrow distinguished from LeConte's by gray stripe down center of head
rather than white. Somewhat less streaking across breast than LeConte's. Gray
ear patches. Yellowish-orange eyebrow. Prefers the edges of marshes and wetlands
and short-grass alkaline flats of northeastern North Dakota. Is secretive and
runs through vegetation like a mouse. Responds to squeaking noises by flying
on to a stem to get a view. Feeds by walking or running rather than hopping.
Eats insects such as ants, beetles, flies and sand fleas as well as snails and
seeds of grasses and weeds. Nests on the ground in a matt of vegetation or inches
above ground on an existing stem. Nest built of dry grasses and wetland vegetation.
Previous Sparrow -- LeConte's Sparrow (
Ammodramus
leconteii)
Return to Sparrow List
Next Sparrow -- House Sparrow (
Passer domesticus)
