Montana Field Guide

Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia

Size and plumage darkness are geographically variable (large and dark in Alaska, small and pale in deserts); long rounded tail, pumped in flight; grayish eyebrow and broad dark stripe bordering whitish throat; upperparts usually streaked; underparts whitish with streaked sides and breast and usually a central dark spot on the breast (young have finer streaks and may lack the spot); pinkish legs and feet; 13-16 cm (NGS 1983, Peterson 1990).

The Song Sparrow differs from the Fox Sparrow by being smaller in size (Fox Sparrow length 17 to 19 cm) and less heavily marked. They differ from the Savannah Sparrow by lacking yellow over the eye and having a rounded rather than notched tail. They differ from Lincoln's Sparrow by having a less contrastingly striped crown and a wider eye ring and by lacking a band of creamy-buff across the upper breast.

Montana Range

In the Bozeman area, normal migration periods are March 20 to April 10 and September 20 to November 5.

Wide range of forest, shrub, and riparian habitats, but limited to those adjacent to fresh water more often in arid environments (Arcese, Sogge, Marr and Patten. The Birds of North America, No. 704, 2002).

In nonbreeding period, primarily seeds, fruits, and invertebrates, as available. During breeding, primarily insects and other small invertebrates; some seeds and fruit (Arcese, Sogge, Marr and Patten 2002).

Chief requisites for nest: secure support and concealment. Specific site characteristics variable; commonest low in grass and shrub. May nest close to houses, in flower beds. Eggs are ovate, blue, blue-green, to gray-green in color, spots common. Clutch size typically 3 to 5 eggs (Arcese, Sogge, Marr and Patten 2002). Near Fortine, egg dates range from May 5 to July 12. Statewide, nesting is from the 2nd week of May through the 1st week of July.