Amphispiza Genus

Amphispiza is a genus of birds in the bunting and American sparrow family. It contains two species, the Black-throated Sparrow, Amphispiza bilineata and the Sage Sparrow, Amphispiza belli.

Both inhabit dry areas of the western United States but in different habitats. They frequently run on the ground with their tails cocked and sing from low bushes. Adults are whitish on the belly and gray above and on the head, with black and white head markings. Juveniles are rather similar to each other, grayish brown above and whitish below, with short streaks on the breast.

Species