# Black-throated Sparrow (*Amphispiza bilineata*) The Black-throated Sparrow is a small, cheerful bird with a black throat and a lovely song. They are often found hopping around in the desert, looking for seeds and insects to eat. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 17 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Black-throated Sparrow](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Amphispiza_bilineataPCCA20050311-5951B.jpg&width=800) Photo: Patrick Coin ( Patrick Coin ), CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amphispiza_bilineataPCCA20050311-5951B.jpg) ## Appearance The Black-throated Sparrow has a striking pattern with a solid black throat and lore, contrasted by a bold white stripe above its eye. Its back is grey-brown, and its belly is plain white, making it distinct from other desert sparrows. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Passerellidae - **Genus:** Amphispiza ## Interesting facts - Sometimes called "desert songsters," they masterfully blend into sandy landscapes! - Their sweet, tinkling song sounds like tiny bells ringing across the quiet desert! - They often build cozy nests hidden inside spiky cacti or desert shrubs for safety! - Wow! This tiny bird can survive in scorching deserts without needing to drink water daily! ## Special abilities - **Desert Hydrator:** Black-throated Sparrows can get most of their water from food, helping them survive and thrive in very arid, dry environments. - **Heat Shield:** This sparrow has special adaptations that help it tolerate extreme desert temperatures, staying active when other animals seek shade. - **Tinkling Caller:** The Black-throated Sparrow has a distinct, musical song with bell-like phrases that helps it communicate and defend its territory. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 12.5-14.5 cm - **Wingspan:** 20-22 cm - **Weight:** 0.012-0.016 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-5 years - **Speed:** 40 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-4 - **Incubation:** 10-14 days - **Migration Distance:** 500 km ## Diet & Feeding They munch on tiny seeds and juicy insects found foraging on the desert floor. - **Primary Foods:** Seeds, Beetles, Ants, Caterpillars, Spiders - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Greater Roadrunner](https://www.snappit.app/explore/greater-roadrunner) (*Geococcyx californianus*) — hunts for agile desert sparrows - **Eaten by:** [Gopher Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gopher-snake) (*Pituophis catenifer*) — preys on nests and ground-foraging birds - **Shelter:** [Creosote Bush](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creosote-bush) (*Larrea tridentata*) — nests and finds seeds among its branches - **Eats:** Silky Ant (*Formica fusca*) — forages for ants and other insects ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Black-throated Sparrow? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Black-throated Sparrow? 12.5-14.5 cm ### What is Black-throated Sparrow's wingspan? 20-22 cm ### How much does Black-throated Sparrow weigh? 0.012-0.016 kg ### How long does Black-throated Sparrow live? 2-5 years ### How fast can Black-throated Sparrow move? 40 km/h ### What does Black-throated Sparrow eat? They munch on tiny seeds and juicy insects found foraging on the desert floor. ### Where is Black-throated Sparrow usually found? Desert ## Where to spot - [Boyce Thompson Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/boyce-thompson-arboretum) — Arizona, US · Botanical Garden - [Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-rock-canyon-national-conservation-area) — Nevada, US · Nature Reserve - [Sabino Canyon](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sabino-canyon) — Arizona, US · Natural Landmark - [Chaco Culture National Historical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chaco-culture-national-historical-park) — New Mexico, US · National Park - [Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arizona-sonora-desert-museum) — Arizona, US · Zoo - [Desert Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/desert-botanical-garden) — Arizona, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Black-throated Sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/black-throated-sparrow) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Black-throated Sparrow: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-throated-sparrow)