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American tree sparrow facts for kids

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American tree sparrow
Spizella-arborea-002 edit2.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Spizelloides
Species:
arborea
Spizelloides arborea map.svg
Synonyms

Spizella monticola
Spizella arborea
Passerella arborea

American tree sparrow in CP (41285)
American tree sparrow in Central Park

The American tree sparrow (Spizelloides arborea), also known as the winter sparrow, is a medium-sized New World sparrow.

It had been classified under the genus Spizella, but multilocus molecular evidence suggested placement in its own genus.

Description

Measurements:

  • Length: 5.5 in (14 cm)
  • Weight: 0.5-1.0 oz (13-28 g)
  • Wingspan: 9.4 in (24 cm)

Adults have a rusty cap and grey underparts with a small dark spot on the breast. They have a rusty back with lighter stripes, brown wings with white bars and a slim tail. Their face is grey with a rusty line through the eye. Their flanks are splashed with light brown. They are similar in appearance to the chipping sparrow.

Their breeding habitat is tundra or the northern limits of the boreal forest in Alaska and northern Canada. They nest on the ground.

These birds migrate into southern Canada and the United States to spend the winter. Usually, chipping sparrows are moving south around the same time as these birds arrive.

These birds forage on the ground or in low bushes, often in flocks when not nesting. They mainly eat seeds and insects, but also eat some berries. They are commonly seen near feeders with dark-eyed juncos.

This bird's song is a sweet high warble descending in pitch and becoming buzzy near the finish.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Chingolo arbóreo para niños

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