Field Sparrow

Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) is in the New World Sparrows family (Passerellidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 22,071 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Field Sparrow: observations by month (U.S.)

About Field Sparrow

The field sparrow (Spizella pusilla) is a small New World sparrow in the family Emberizidae. It is about 140 mm (6 in) long and weighs about 12.5 g (0.4 oz). The head is grey with a rust-coloured crown, white eye-ring and pink bill. The upper parts are brown streaked with black and buff, the breast is buff, the belly is white and the tail is forked. There are two different colour morphs, one being greyer and the other more rufous.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Field Sparrow by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (New World Sparrows)

Song SparrowMelospiza melodia

Dark-eyed JuncoJunco hyemalis

White-crowned SparrowZonotrichia leucophrys

White-throated SparrowZonotrichia albicollis

Chipping SparrowSpizella passerina

Savannah SparrowPasserculus sandwichensis

Spotted TowheePipilo maculatus

California TowheeMelozone crissalis

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ