ExploreBirds

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

The Savannah Sparrow is a small bird with a cheerful song. It has a brown and white body that helps it blend into grasslands where it lives. These birds love to hop around and search for seeds and insects to eat.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Savannah Sparrow has a streaky brown body with a pale belly and distinct yellow patches above its eyes. Its short tail and pinkish legs help it blend into grassy habitats, making it appear somewhat stocky.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPasserellidaeGenusPasserculus
Savannah Sparrow
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgesinging trait badgegrassland trait badge
Savannah Sparrow

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Some Savannah Sparrows migrate thousands of kilometers, from Alaska to Mexico!

Their "tsip, tsip, tsip, tseeee-tsay" song is one of the easiest to identify!

These ground nesters sometimes lay their eggs right in a cow footprint!

Young sparrows can leave their hidden nest only 7-14 days after hatching!

Special abilities

Ability

Grassland Ghost Cloak

Savannah Sparrow has streaky brown feathers that help them disappear into tall grasses.

Ability

Hidden Nest Builder

Savannah Sparrow can weave its nest on the ground, making it almost invisible to predators.

Ability

Insect Snatcher

Savannah Sparrow can swiftly catch small insects and spiders hiding among plants.

Measurements & details

Length
11-14 cm
Wingspan
18-23 cm
Weight
0.015-0.028 kg
Lifespan
2-7 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
2-6
Incubation
10-13 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

Savannah Sparrows enjoy eating tiny seeds and juicy insects found in grassy fields.

Age differences: Young birds eat mostly insects; adults eat more seeds.

Primary Foods

  • grass seeds
  • weed seeds
  • beetles
  • caterpillars
  • grasshoppers
  • spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

preys on eggs and nestlings.

eaten by

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

hunts adult sparrows.

eats

Kentucky Bluegrass

Poa pratensis

consumes seeds from this common grass.

eats

Seven-spotted Ladybug

Coccinella septempunctata

forages for beetles and other insects.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and be quiet so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Savannah Sparrow?

11-14 cm

What is Savannah Sparrow's wingspan?

18-23 cm

How much does Savannah Sparrow weigh?

0.015-0.028 kg

How long does Savannah Sparrow live?

2-7 years

How fast can Savannah Sparrow move?

45 km/h

What does Savannah Sparrow eat?

Savannah Sparrows enjoy eating tiny seeds and juicy insects found in grassy fields.

Where is Savannah Sparrow usually found?

Grasslands

How does Savannah Sparrow hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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