Lark sparrow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lark sparrow |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Chondestes
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| Species: |
grammacus
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The lark sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) is a type of sparrow found in the New World. It is the only bird in its group, called Chondestes.
Contents
About the Lark Sparrow
This passerine bird lives and raises its young in southern Canada, most of the United States, and northern Mexico. It is not as common in the eastern parts of its range.
Some lark sparrows that live in Mexico and nearby U.S. states stay there all year. Other birds are migratory, meaning they travel south for winter. They spend winter in the southern United States, Mexico, and even as far south as Guatemala.
This bird is very rarely seen in western Europe. There have only been two confirmed sightings in Great Britain, one in 1981 and another in 1991.
What They Look Like
The lark sparrow is easy to spot! Adult birds have brown backs with dark streaks, which is typical for sparrows. Their bellies are white, but they have a dark spot in the middle.
Their cheeks and the sides of their heads are a reddish-brown color. They also have white stripes above their eyes and on their heads. The corners of their dark tails are white, which is a good way to tell them apart. Young lark sparrows are not as brightly colored, and their bellies have streaks.
What They Eat and How They Live
These birds look for food on the ground or in low bushes. They mostly eat seeds. However, during the time they are raising their young, they also eat insects, like grasshoppers.
When they travel for winter or when they are not breeding, lark sparrows often gather in large groups called flocks.
Reproduction and Nesting Habits
Lark sparrows like to live in open areas, such as grasslands and farms. They build their nests on the ground. Their nests are shaped like cups and are made of grass. They usually hide their nests under a clump of grass or other plants.
Female lark sparrows lay three to six eggs. The eggs are white with black squiggly lines on them.
Sounds They Make
The song of a lark sparrow starts with two clear notes. After that, it has a mix of buzzing and trilling sounds. When they fly, they make a thin sit call.
Size of a Lark Sparrow
Here are some average measurements for the lark sparrow:
- Length: 5.9 to 6.7 inches (15 to 17 cm)
- Weight: 0.8 to 1.2 ounces (24 to 33 g)
- Wingspan: 11.0 inches (28 cm)
See also
In Spanish: Chingolo arlequín para niños
