Field Guide for all the Birds of North America
Sparrows
Bruants
Emberizidae, Passerellidae, Passeridae, Estrildidae
Information, images and range maps on over 1,000 birds of North America, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities
North American Bird Search Box
The sparrows, also known as "little brown jobs", are one of the most numerous bird species in North America. Most times, they are very hard to find, but they can sometimes be seen skulking in the grasses, marshes or undergrowths.
There are at least 35 types of sparrow species in North America. These birds can generally be located in five areas of North America. There are 15 species of sparrows that can be found in most areas of North America, some more abundant and widespread than others. These are the American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, LeConte's Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Nelson's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow and the House Sparrow, which is now a common bird that was first introduced to a New York City Central Park around 1850.
In western North America there are two sparrow species, the Baird's Sparrow and Golden-crowned Sparrow.
There are six sparrow species most likely seen in the eastern states. They are the Bachman's Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow's Sparrow, Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Seaside Sparrow and the Field Sparrow.
The Brewer's Sparrow is more likely seen in the central states as well as the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, which was introduced to St. Louis, Missouri around 1870.
In the southern states and northern Mexico, there are 10 sparrow species. They are the Black-chinned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Botteri's Sparrow, Cassin's Sparrow, Bell's Sparrow, Five-striped Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Olive Sparrow, Rufus-crowned Sparrow, Rufus-winged Sparrow and the Sage Sparrow.
North American Birds Videos
- Click here - Adult Nelson's Sparrow
References to Other Bird Sites:
Avibase - the world bird database This site provides the user with a complete list of bird species, broken down per country, or in the example of the US or Canada, per state and province. Here, bird species names are available in other languages, a great asset to be used as a translation of foreign bird names.
ABA - American Birding Association This site represents an organization that maintains official records of all birds species that have been proven to have been seen inside the perimeters of the North American Continent and the surrounding bodies of water. Regular revised versions are posted to keep the bird list current at all times. This is the list used by all serious birders over their lifetime. You may be aware of the movie called the "Big Year". It was with this list that all the competing birders used in an attempt to set a new record as to how many bird species that could be seen by an individual birder in one calendar year.
I hope you will take advantage of these suggested websites. I have used each of them, in one way or another, throughout the years in my quest to better identify and understand our fine feathered friends.