The Lark Sparrow, Chondestes grammacus, is a fairly large sparrow. It is the only member of the genus Chondestes.
This passerine bird breeds in southern Canada, much of the United States. It is much less common in the east, where its range is contracting.
The Lark Sparrow is distinctive. Adults have a typically sparrow-like dark-streaked brown back, and white underparts except for a dark central spot. The cheeks and crown sides are chestnut, with white eyebrow and crown stripes. The dark tail's corners are also white.
Young Lark Sparrows are duller, and the underparts are streaked.
These birds forage on the ground or in low bushes. They mainly eat seeds, but insects, including grasshoppers are also eaten in the breeding season. They form flocks on migration or in winter.
The song is two clear notes followed by a mixture of buzzes and trills. The flight call is a thin sit.
