Henslow's Sparrow

Ammodramus henslowii

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Identification

13 cm (5") Rare and local in weedy fields. Eastern and central United States; southern Ontario.

A short-tailed and flat-headed sparrow with a big pale bill. Breast is finely streaked. Striped crown. Olive head. Wings are reddish.

Secretive and may be overlooked but for its distinctive voice.

Song: hiccuping unmusical "sslick".

Details in the field

6 photos

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Don Henise

Watch and learn

2 videos

Henslow Sparrow 2

Credit: Larry Bond

Henslow's Sparrow

Credit: Larry Bond

Where it lives

Source legend · original intervals

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Unshaded in source · does not imply absence

Generic and winter maps may use different intervals.

Bird Advisor Identification rules 1 variant 1 rule

These are the observation paths the Bird Advisor can use to identify this species. Each rule is an alternative match.

1 rule

Rule 1 12 criteria confidence 1

What colour were the WINGS ?: Red, or pink · Rufous (dull-red or rust-colored) · Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Unknown
What SIZE was the TAIL ?: Very short · Short · Medium · Unknown
What SHAPE was the TAIL ?: Square or slightly notched at the end · Pointed or wedge-shaped · Forked · Unknown
What colour PATTERN if any was on the BACK ?: Streaked, mottled, spotted, or barred · Unknown
What colour PATTERN if any was shown on the BREAST ?: Streaked lengthwise (from head to tail) · Unknown
What colour was the BREAST ?: White, or pale (grayish-white) · Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan · Brown, or chestnut (reddish-brown) · Unknown
What colour was the THROAT ?: White, or pale (grayish-white) · Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan · Unknown
What SHAPE was the BILL ?: Conical and slender · Conical and thick · Unknown
What LENGTH was the BILL ?: Very short · Short · Medium · Unknown
Was the HEAD striped ?: Yes · Unknown
How BIG was the bird ?: Smaller than a sparrow · Sparrow-sized
What TYPE of bird was seen ?: Sparrow-like

result:154-henslow-s-sparrow:1:1 Source: 154 Henslow's Sparrow, row 1