The field sparrow forages mainly on the ground or in low vegetation, where it seeks small seeds and insects (2) (3). In the winter, seeds and grains from grasses form an important part of this species’ diet (3) (5). The young are fed on variety of insects, from caterpillars and grasshoppers to flies, bees and katydids, depending on the season (5).
Often described as an ‘edge’ species, the field sparrow often nests on the border of forests, where it is usually found no more than a few metres past the forest edge. It also nests in open fields (4). Nest building begins around May (3), with the field sparrow typically building its nest on or near the ground early in the season, in grass clumps or at the base or shrubs (2) (4) (5). Later in the breeding season, the field sparrow will construct its nest in small shrubs and saplings as the vegetation grows (4) (5). The nest is usually an open cup, made of large pieces of grass which are woven together by the female with thinner grass blades and even hair (2) (3).
When searching for a mate, the male field sparrow begins to sing loudly and continuously, and will only cease this vigorous vocal display when a female has been successfully attracted to the breeding territory. The male field sparrow often returns to the same breeding territory year after year, while the female tends to seek new breeding grounds each season (2).
The female lays a clutch of 2 to 5 eggs which are creamy white with dark spots (2), and are incubated solely by the female for 11 to 12 days (3). Both the male and female field sparrow feed the young until they fledge at seven or eight days old (3).