There are so many sparrows on Seabrook Island and they all kinda look the same. Brown!!!! But, we have a cute little chipping sparrow that appears at your birdfeeders. Right now, they are here in abundance eating like crazy. They are common across North America. It has a rusty cap and gray face, Brown back with streaks, white belly, black bill and a long-pointed tail. Chipping Sparrows will eat many kinds of birdseed, particularly black oil sunflower seeds from feeders, but also seed mixes scattered on the ground. Shrubs or small trees in your yard may attract Chipping Sparrows to build a nest.
Chipping Sparrows are common across North America wherever trees are interspersed with grassy openings. Their loud, trilling songs are one of the most common sounds of spring woodlands and suburbs. You’ll often hear its dry chip notes . Chipping Sparrows typically build their nests low in a shrub or tree, but every once in a while they get creative. People have found their nests among hanging strands of chili peppers, on an old-fashioned mower inside a tool shed, and on a hanging basket filled with moss. Males guard females as they build nests, but they don’t help build. It takes the female 3 to 4 days to finish her nest. n summer, male Chipping Sparrows defend territories against other Chipping Sparrows, but often tolerate other species as long as they don’t go too near the nest. After the breeding season, Chipping Sparrows form flocks of several dozen, foraging together among grasses and at bird feeders.
In summer, male Chipping Sparrows defend territories against other Chipping Sparrows but often tolerate other species as long as they don’t go too near the nest. After the breeding season, Chipping Sparrows form flocks of several dozen, foraging together among grasses and at bird feeders.
Fun Fact: While most birds molt twice a year, the chipping sparrow can replace the feathers on the throat and face up to six times each year. There is no conservation concerns for the Chipping Sparrow.
References: All About Birds/ Cornell University
Article submitted by: Melanie Jerome
This blog post is part of a series SIB will publish on a regular basis to feature birds seen in the area, both migratory and permanent residents. When possible we will use photographs taken by our members. Please let us know if you have any special requests of birds you would like to learn more about.
