Montana Field Guide

Savannah Sparrow - Passerculus sandwichensis

A highly variable species (or may comprise multiple species) that generally has yellow lores and often has a yellowish eyebrow; pale crown stripe (indistinct in southern California and often in juveniles); dark to buffy whisker stripe; upperparts usually streaked (not so in some parts of southern California); short notched tail; streaked sides and breast (sometimes with a central spot); whitish belly and undertail; pale pinkish or straw colored legs and feet (most of range) (NGS 1983, Ridgway 1901). The numerous subspecies vary in size, coloration, bill size, and extent of streaking (NGS 1983). Overall length is 11-14 cm, mass about 15-20 g. When flushed, runs through the grass or makes short, quick, erratic flights. VOCALIZATIONS: song is an insectlike tip tip tip seeee saaaaay. Calls include a slight tseep or tsip.

The Savannah Sparrow differs from the Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) by usually having a yellowish eyebrow stripe, whitish crown stripe, short notched tail (vs. long and rounded), and pinker legs (Peterson 1990). They lack the white outer tail feathers of the Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus).

Montana Range

In the Bozeman area, normal migration periods are May 2 to 20 and September 20 to 30.

The Savannah Sparrow is widespread and abundant in open habitats throughout North America. During the breeding season its persistent buzzy song can be heard in agricultural fields, meadows, marshes, coastal grasslands, and tundra. During spring and fall migration it can be found in open fields, roadsides, dune vegetation, coastal marshes, edges of sewage ponds and other ponds in open country. It is rarely found in open woodlands. (Wheelwright and Rising. The Birds of North America, No. 45, 1993)

The main foods taken in winter include small seeds, fruits, and insects when available. During breeding season they eat adult insects, larval insects, insect eggs, small spiders, millipedes, isopods, amphipods, decapods, mites, small mollusks, seeds, and fruits. (Wheelwright and Rising 1993).

The female chooses the nest site and builds it alone. Nests are placed on the ground and well-hidden. Females are extremely sensitive to disturbances and may desert the nest if disturbed before the clutch is complete. (Wheelwright and Rising 1993). Near Fortine, egg dates range from June 27 to July 14. Statewide, they nest during June and early July.