Where’s Wildlife · Bird Field Guide

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

Pronounced (approx.): pass-ER-kyoo-lus sand-wih-CHEN-sis

A streaked sparrow of open country, often showing a small yellow patch in front of the eye. [1]

Select the main image to browse all 7 photographs.

NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA

At a Glance

Family
Passerellidae · New World sparrows
Size
Small, short-tailed sparrow
Habitat
Grasslands, pastures, marsh edges, and open fields
Food
Seeds and insects
Nesting
Concealed ground nest

Compare several field marks together. [1] [2]

Three identification clues

01 · FIELD MARK

Look for fine dark streaks across a pale breast. [1]

02 · FIELD MARK

A yellowish eyebrow is often strongest near the bill. [1]

03 · FIELD MARK

The tail is relatively short and notched. [1]

Finding Savannah Sparrow

Scan stems above short grass and watch field edges for birds dropping into cover. Compare several individuals when light makes the eyebrow hard to see. [1]

Use the range map for seasonal context and the observation map to explore reported sightings near you.

Learn the songs and calls

Listen for rhythm and tone, then compare what you hear with the bird’s appearance and habitat.

Common look-alikes

Song Sparrows often have a longer, rounder tail and heavier facial markings. The yellow eyebrow is useful but varies, so check body shape too. [1]

Field Photographs

Photographs © Where’s Wildlife. Select any image to open the gallery.

How this bird lives

Savannah Sparrows build concealed ground nests in open vegetation. They forage close to the ground and switch between seeds and insects as food availability changes. Adults bring invertebrates to growing nestlings. [2]

A closer look at Savannah Sparrow

Variable eyebrow

The amount of yellow on the face differs among birds. [2]

Ground cover

Low vegetation conceals both feeding birds and nests. [2]

Open-country specialist

Suitable grassland structure matters more than the presence of a single plant species. [2]

Range & Sightings

Explore reported observations and photographs on iNaturalist. Zoom to your area and use date filters to investigate seasonal sightings.

Reported sightings are not a complete range map. A lack of records does not necessarily mean the species is absent.

Keep Learning

Choose a photograph and name three clues you can see. Compare another view to learn how angle, age, season, and lighting change the bird’s appearance.

Sources & Further Reading

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