Sage Sparrow

16 cm (6") Fairly common. Western United States. Sagebrush, chaparral; in winter deserts.

Dark gray-brown head. White eyebrow stripe or lore spot (between eye and bill). White underparts set off by a black central breast spot. Tail flicking habit.

Often runs with tail held up rather than fly when alarmed.

Song: 4-7 high notes with the 3rd note being highest "tsit, tsit, tsi you, tee a-tee", call is a thin junco-like twittering.

Images

Credit: Caleb Putnam

Credit: Jamie Chavez

Credit: Bill Bouton

Credit: Jamie Chavez

Distribution Maps

Sage Sparrow distribution map

Sage Sparrow winter distribution map