Vesper sparrow
ExplorePooecetes graminus
Type: bird
Status:
Species Guide
Vesper sparrow
Pooecetes graminus
Species Type: bird
Conservation Status:
Identification
The vesper sparrow is a stocky, short-tailed, grayish-brown sparrow with a streaked breast. The upperparts are pale gray-brown and marked with black streaking. The breast is grayish white and streaked with black. A brown cheek patch, which reaches behind the eye, is adjacent to a white stripe that extends down from the bill. A thin, dark malar stripe (mustache) also extends from the bill, separating the white sub-mustachial stripe from the white throat. There is a white eye-ring that stands out against the brown cheek. Adults have chestnut shoulder patches. However, the brilliance of these patches is variable and, depending on the view of the bird, may be difficult to see. The wings are marked with a pair of narrow, white wing bars. The tail, which is a key diagnostic indicator in flight, is notched and black with white outer tail feathers. The bill is conical-shaped with a dark upper jaw and a flesh-colored lower jaw. Likewise, the legs are flesh colored. The iris is reddish brown to dark brown. Although males are slightly larger, the sexes are otherwise similar. Juveniles resemble adults but are buffer overall, have broader wing bars, and lack the chestnut shoulder patches.
The rich, musical song of the vesper sparrow consists of a pair of repeated notes, represented as, “here-here where-where,” followed by a series of descending trills. The first two notes are long, slurred, low-pitched whistles while the latter two notes are higher-pitched. The call of the vesper sparrow is a short “hisp.”
Distribution & Habitat
Distribution and Habitat
Locally, the vesper sparrow breeds in the inner coastal plan of South Jersey and the Piedmont, Highlands, and Ridge and Valley regions of northern and central New Jersey. Nesting is concentrated in the north-west of the state, throughout most of New Jersey.
Vesper sparrows are rare fall migrants in New Jersey, occurring from mid-October to mid-November, with an average of ten records each fall at Cape May Point. Vesper sparrows rarely over-winter along the southern coastal region of New Jersey. The vesper sparrow is an extremely rare spring migrant. Spring migrants occur from early April to mid-May.
Vesper sparrows reside in cultivated fields, grasslands, and pastures. Farmed areas that are adjacent to fallow fields or contain uncultivated strips along fence-rows are favored. These fallow areas provide nesting habitat, cover, foraging sites, and singing perches. On active farmlands, human disturbance and crop harvesting can threaten nesting sparrows. Fallow fields and grasslands provide a safer haven for nests.
Vesper sparrow habitats are typically sparsely vegetated with patches of bare ground, low vegetation and scattered shrubs. Habitats are typically dry and well drained. Nests are placed within clumps of cover that afford protection from predators. Elevated perches, such as fence posts provide singing posts from which males can advertise their territories and attract mates. Territory size may range from 1.2 to 7.9 acres. Similar habitats are used throughout the year.
Diet
Diet
The diet of the vesper sparrow consists of invertebrates and seeds. During the summer months, the diet consists largely of invertebrates such as beetles, grasshoppers and other insects. Weed and grass seeds are also consumed during this time, although in a smaller proportion. Young sparrows are fed invertebrates almost exclusively. Vesper sparrows are a beneficial species in agricultural areas, as they consume many crop-destroying insects. In the fall and winter, seeds of various plants are sought. Vesper sparrows forage on the ground in weedy fields, brushy edges, and recently mowed fields.
Life Cycle
Life Cycle
During April, male vesper sparrows arrive on their breeding grounds and establish territories. About a week later, the females return. Vesper sparrows exhibit site fidelity, as pairs return to the same nesting location during consecutive years. They often form small colonies, with three to six pairs nesting in an area.
Over a one- to two-week period, the female vesper sparrow constructs a cup nest of grasses, and lines it with thinner grasses. The ground nest often is concealed in a hollow at the base of a weed or grass tuft.
By the second or third week of May, the female lays a clutch of three to five greenish white eggs that are blotched with brown. Both parents, although primarily the female incubate the eggs for 11 to 13 days. The protective incubating adult will not flush from the nest until nearly stepped upon, at which time it will feign injury to lure an intruder away. At 9 to 13 days, the chicks, not yet independent, leave the nest. The adults continue to care for the young, which seek cover in the surrounding vegetation, for several weeks. If a pair produces a second clutch, the male will tend to the first brood while the female begins incubating the subsequent clutch.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Emberizidae
- Genus: Pooecetes
- Species: P. graminus