chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina)
CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.
Length: 4.75 inches
Dark, conical bill
White supercilium and black eyeline
Gray face and underparts
Tan back with dark streaks
Brown wings with wing bars
Slim, forked tail
Fall and winter plumage has different head pattern: brown crown with fine dark streaks and pale median crown stripe, buff supercilium, pale bill with dark tip and brownish cheeks
Juvenile plumage (summer and fall) similar to winter but duller with streaked underparts
Chipping sparrows are similar to other sparrows with rusty crowns but
have a white supercilium and black eye line in spring and summer.
Field sparrow has a pink bill and white eye ring. Swamp sparrow has
rusty wings and a dingy breast. American tree sparrow has a dark breast
spot. In Fall and Winter, chipping sparrows are quite similar to clay-color-
ed and brewer's sparrows. Often, they retain some rust in the crown and
can be identified by that field mark. Clay-colored and brewer's sparrows
have pale lores and brown rumps. Clay-colored sparrow has more distinct
whisker and a buffier breast. Brewer's sparrow has an indistinct supercilium
and an eye ring.
Migration Status: Neotropical migrant
Breeding Habitat: Urban
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 4
Length of Incubation: 11-14 days
Days to Fledge: 10(8-12)
Number of Broods: 2
Diet: Mostly seeds; lesser quantities of insects
SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE
Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.
C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
sometimes low numbers.
R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.
Sp - Spring: March, April, May U
Su - Summer: June, July, August U
Fall: September, October, November C
Winter: December, January, February R
Crooked Run Valley