Home | Contact | About | Donate
Birds
Focus AreasExploreEducationPublicationsResearchNews
Raptors

 

Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
song sparrowsong sparrowsong sparrowsong sparrow
Click images for larger view. Photos: Joyce Daniels, Andy Johnson, Jerry Jourdan (3,4)

Habitat: Thickets, brush, marshes, gardens, roadsides

  • Noticeable breast steaks with a large, central spot (adults).
  • Song is a series of musical notes that may begin with a cheerful “sweet, sweet, sweet…”. The male Song Sparrow uses its song to defend its territory and attract a mate.
  • Song Sparrows usually feed on the ground in or near thickets. They find seeds, fruits and invertebrates by scratching both feet in the soil and leaf litter.

 

Michigan Sea Grant enhances the sustainability of Michigan’s coastal communities, residents, and businesses through research, outreach and education.
© Michigan Sea Grant
Updated: 11/11/09