Vesper Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow, Channel Islands, CA, 31 Oct 2004. Note the concealed rufous wing patch, which can often be hidden and difficult to observe.

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

A large sparrow, the Vesper Sparrow inhabits grasslands and fields across much of the north-central United States and Canada. As its name suggests, it often sings in the evening twilight, though it sings actively in early morning as well.

Description

• Large sparrow.
• Grayish brown.
• Streaked chest and back.
• White eyering.
• White outer tail feathers.

• Size: 13-16 cm (5-6 in)
• Wingspan: 24 cm (9 in)
• Weight: 20-28 g (0.71-0.99 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look alike.

Sound

Song consists of two to four long, clear notes, followed by musical slurs and trills. Call notes include a sharp chirp.

Conservation Status

Declining throughout range. Various farming practices, including use of chemicals, large-scale tillage, and early harvesting of hay, all contribute to these declines. Vesper Sparrow is listed as endangered, threatened, or of special conservation concern in several states.

Other Names

Pinson vespéral; Bruant vespéral (French)
Gorrión torito; Gorrión coliblanco; Semillero torito; Gorrión cola blanca (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• The songs of neighboring Vesper Sparrows tend to be similar; between regions, songs tend to show consistent differences. These patterns suggest that Vesper Sparrows learn songs from adult Vesper Sparrows. In one documented case, a Vesper Sparrow apparently learned to sing like a Bewick's Wren.
• The Vesper Sparrow is the only member of its taxonomic genus. Based on analysis of morphology, plumage, and other factors, its closest relative is thought to be the Lark Sparrow.

• The Vesper Sparrow responds quickly to changes in habitat; it is often the first species to occupy reclaimed mine sites and abandon old farm fields as they return to forest.

Sources used to construct this page:

Jones, S. L., and J. E. Cornely. 2002. Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus). In The Birds of North America, No. 624 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.