Black-throated sparrow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-throated sparrow |
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Amphispiza
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bilineata
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The black-throated sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) is a small bird found mainly in the southwestern United States and Mexico. People sometimes call it the desert sparrow because it loves living in dry desert hills and scrubland. However, the name "desert sparrow" usually refers to a different bird found in Africa and Asia.
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About the Black-Throated Sparrow
What Does It Look Like?
The black-throated sparrow is mostly pale gray on its back. It has a very special black and white pattern on its head that makes it easy to spot. Young sparrows look similar but do not have the black throat yet.
Size and Weight
- Length: About 4.7 to 5.5 inches (12 to 14 cm) long. That's roughly the size of a small smartphone!
- Weight: It weighs about 0.4 to 0.5 ounces (11 to 15 grams). This is about the weight of two quarters.
- Wingspan: Its wings stretch about 7.7 inches (19.5 cm) wide.
Sounds and Habits
The black-throated sparrow has a high, bell-like call. Its song is simple and sounds like a mechanical tinkling. These birds mostly eat insects and seeds. They usually travel in small groups. However, you might see larger groups gather around water sources in the desert.
Nests and Eggs
These sparrows build their nests loosely using grass twigs and plant fibers. They hide their nests carefully in bushes, usually about 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm) above the ground. Female sparrows lay three or four eggs, which are white or pale blue.
See also
In Spanish: Chingolo gorjinegro para niños
