Many sparrow species migrate through New Jersey during spring, while others choose to stay and breed here, making the best time to see them in the state.
These busy little songbirds are worth learning about since they are so entertaining to observe. It is worth taking the time to get to know them. This guide also includes Juncos and Towhees, since they are sparrows.
Birders often refer to sparrows as “small brown jobs,” making it clear that even an experienced birder might have a hard time identifying them.
You may discount some sparrows at various times of year since they have unique head markings and typically move. These pieces of information are included in this guide and help with identification.
Sparrows are found in most backyard feeders, where they primarily eat seeds and insects. Discover the other species of birds that come to New Jersey on a regular basis and make a free ID map.
According to avibase, this guide will aid you determine the sorts of sparrows seen in New Jersey that are classified as frequent and provided actual information on when these birds may be seen.
When to Spot Sparrows in New Jersey
Knowing when you’re most likely to see sparrows may help ease the uncertainty with these comparable-looking birds. When you are most likely to see these birds, this guide sorts them by date.
Sparrows in New Jersey all year:
- Song Sparrow
- House Sparrow
Sparrows in New Jersey in winter:
- White-throated Sparrow
- Fox Sparrow
- American Tree Sparrow
Sparrows in New Jersey in summer:
- Chipping Sparrow
- Eastern Towhee
- Field Sparrow
- Seaside Sparrow
- Saltmarsh Sparrow
- Grasshopper Sparrow
Sparrows in New Jersey during migration:
- Swamp Sparrow
- Savannah Sparrow
- White-crowned Sparrow
- Lincoln’s Sparrow
- Vesper Sparrow
- Nelson’s Sparrow
- Clay-colored Sparrow
- Lark Sparrow
Identifying Sparrow’s Songs
It will help, particularly with some of the more distinctive sparrow songs, if you learn a few of the songs of sparrows by listening to the audio recordings in the guide. Long, slow notes that change pitch and sound like a person whistling are heard by White-throated Sparrows.
Except for their high-pitched song, which speeds up to a high trill at the conclusion, Field Sparrows are difficult to detect.
Golden-crowned Sparrows, on the other hand, produce a few low tones that diminish in pitch. Also, what about the Grasshopper Sparrow or LeConte’s Sparrow’s weird buzzing? Have you heard about them?
Sparrows in New Jersey All Year
Song Sparrow
During the summer and winter, Song Sparrows are the most commonly seen sparrows in New Jersey. They are seen on 40% of summer and 31% of winter checklists submitted by birdwatchers for the state.
Song sparrows are a predominantly brown-streaked species that sings practically constantly to attract mates in the spring and summer. They are not as gorgeous as other backyard birds.
- Melospiza melodia
- Length: 4.7-6.7 in (12-17 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz (12-53 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in (18-24 cm)
Song Sparrow can be found throughout the year in northern states. Breeding birds go to winter in southern US states from Canada.
Song Sparrows may be seen perched on a low shrub singing in open, shrubby, and wet environments. Backyard feeders are where they frequently can be found.
Beetles, caterpillars, midges, spiders, and earthworms are some of the insects and plants Song Sparrows eat. Buckwheat, sunflower seeds, raspberries, wild cherries, blackberries, wheat, and rice will all be eaten by them.
Song Sparrow sounds: Rather than a melodious song, they create a succession of disconnected buzzing, trills, and notes. When they are in groups, they also emit harsh alarm and chat calls.
Song Sparrow nests are lined with soft grass and hair and constructed of grass and other plant fibers woven together. They lay six eggs, which take around two weeks to hatch and one week for the offspring to leave the nest.
By attaching black oil sunflower seeds, broken corn, and nyjer to platform feeders, you may attract Song Sparrows to your property.
Fun fact: Song Sparrows blend their music selection, thus they don’t repeat themselves and might not bore prospective females, according to a research.
House Sparrow
In New Jersey, House Sparrows have become an invasive species that may be seen year-round. They appear in 28% of the state’s summer checklists and 22% of its winter checklists, despite not migrating.
Another species that has done well is House Sparrows, which are now one of the most widespread birds in North America. Their heads are gray and brown, with a black bib that contrasts with their white cheeks. Their bellies are gray, and their backs are black and brown. The black bib is missing from female House sparrows, who are browner all over.
- Passer domesticus
- Length: 5.9-6.7 in (15-17 cm)
- Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz (27-30 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 cm)
All year, House Sparrows may be found in the United States and southern Canada.
House Sparrows are fairly tame and may even eat from your hand, and they may be found around houses and buildings. They do not migrate and obtain the best nesting spots before native birds arrive, therefore they may be harmful to native birds.
Grain and seed, as well as waste food, are the mainstays of House Sparrows’ diets. Because they are non-native, they can be considered a pest, but if you do not feed them, they may be found in your backyard.
House Sparrow sounds: Their tune is comprised of just a few notes.
House Sparrow nests are disguised in tiny apertures in buildings, thick vegetation, or nest boxes. Nests are lined with feathers and other soft materials, and they’re made of dry grass and plant materials.
They lay up to eight eggs a year, with four broods per clutch. The eggs take two weeks to develop and another two weeks for the chicks to fledge.
Most types of birdseed, such as millet, corn, and sunflower seeds, attract House Sparrows to your backyard feeders.
Fun fact: House Sparrows have been introduced to South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa in addition to North America.
Sparrows in New Jersey in Summer
Chipping Sparrow
During the summer, Chipping Sparrows are the third most common sparrow in New Jersey. They are more prevalent from April to October, however some may be seen all year. Summer checklists include them in 26% of the time.
With a grayish belly and brown and black-streaked back, chipping sparrows have a rusty crown and a black eye line. They are slender, long-tailed birds. The hues are softer in the winter.
- Spizella passerina
- Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (11-16 g)
- Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)
Before flying to Mexico and Florida for winter, Chipping Sparrows spend their summer breeding in the United States and Canada. These are found in the southern United States all year.
Chipping Sparrows may be found in woodland and park settings, usually in small groups on the ground.
Chipping Sparrows are common in little groups on the ground, often in wooded and park settings.
Chipping Sparrow sounds: The distinctive “chip” sound that they make is what gives them their name. A stuttering trill is their unique call.
Chipping Sparrow females build nests off the ground, hidden in trees or shrubs. The nests are simple and sparse, built out of dried grass and tiny roots.
A year, Chipping Sparrows may lay up to seven eggs and produce three broods. The young fledge in about two weeks after the eggs have taken roughly two weeks to incubate.
Attract Chipping Sparrows Seeds or broken corn on open feeders like hoppers and platforms can be put in your yard.
Fun fact: A tournament is a group of Chipping Sparrows.
Eastern Towhee
During migration and the breeding season, from April to November, eastern towhees can be seen in New Jersey. They are found in 19% of summer checklists, and 3% of winter checklists include them. They last all year.
The males of the eastern Towhees have a white belly, and they are large sparrows with a black head, neck, and back. They have reddish sides, long tails, and a black head. Females look a lot like males, but they’re brown rather than black.
- Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- Length: 6.8-8.2 in (17.3-20.8 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.8 oz (32-52 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9-11.0 in (20-28 cm)
Birds from the north migrate south for the winter, while eastern Towhees live throughout the year in the southern US.
Eastern Towhees may be found rummaging in the bushes, around the borders of woods and thickets.
Eastern Towhee sounds: A sharp note is followed by a trill in their song.
Eastern Towhees nests are frequently found among the fallen leaves on the ground. They’re lined with soft grass and animal hair and constructed of twigs, bark, and leaves. They lay six eggs, which take about two weeks to hatch and fledge, and they take roughly the same amount of time.
Attract Eastern Towhees Overgrown borders, platform feeders holding black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, broken corn, and millet are all available for your backyard.
Fun fact: The sun shines brightly on the south-facing slopes of eastern Towhees.
Field Sparrow
Throughout the breeding season, from March to October, Field Sparrows may be seen throughout New Jersey. Summer and winter checklists have 14% and 3% of these, respectively.
Small, slender brown-backed birds with black streaks are known as Field Sparrows. They have a crimson crown and pink beak, as well as gray undersides and heads.
- Spizella pusilla
- Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (11-15 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9 in (20 cm)
Eastern US states have Field Sparrows that stay all year, while those that breed in the Midwest go south for winter.
During the breeding season, males will sing from a perch in the early mornings, making it easier to detect Field Sparrows. They feed quietly on weeds and seeds, and being shy, they prefer to feed in abandoned fields.
Field Sparrow sounds: A trill starts out with a few slow notes that speed up quickly.
During the breeding season, Field Sparrow nests are constructed lower and lower on the ground for the first brood. They lay up to five eggs, which take around two weeks to hatch, and construct their nests out of grass. The birds then fledge in about a week.
Cracked corn, hulled sunflower seeds, and millet are all good options for attracting Field Sparrows to your yard.
Fun fact: The sound of a bouncing ball coming to a halt is commonly attributed to the Field Sparrows’ song.
Seaside Sparrow
During the breeding season, from April to October, Seaside Sparrows may be seen in New Jersey and are present in 4% of summer checklists.
The yellow patch in front of the eye distinguishes Seaside Sparrows from other sparrows. They have lengthy bills and are hefty birds.
- Ammospiza maritimus
- Length: 5.1-5.9 in (13-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (19-29 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in (18-20 cm)
Seaside Sparrows may be found in salt marshes, as you might expect. They migrate south but remain throughout the year, living along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the United States.
Seaside Sparrows forage for seeds, insects, and spiders in marshes. They also dig around in the mud for small sea creatures with their huge beak.
Seaside Sparrow Call/Song: After a few notes, there’s a buzz.
Female Seaside Sparrows weave tightly woven grass into nests that are built in tall marsh vegetation. A cover made of surrounding vegetation is also common. They lay five eggs, which take two weeks to hatch and another ten days for the fledglings to leave the nest.
Fun fact: Young Seaside Sparrows are unable to fly while they’re away from the nest, and it takes another week of practice.
Saltmarsh Sparrow
In New Jersey, the Saltmarsh Sparrow is listed as an endangered species, however they may be found most often along the state’s shoreline in the summer.
Saltmarsh Sparrows have distinct orangy faces and brown and gray plumage with streaking across the breasts and down their sides.
- Ammospiza caudacuta
- Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz (17.1-24.1 g)
- Wingspan: 6.5-7.7 in (16.5-19.5 cm)
The Saltmarsh Sparrow may be found along the United States’ Atlantic coast. Those in the northeast go to the southeast coast for migration.
Saltmarsh Sparrows forage for insects on the ground and in the mud in saltwater tidal wetlands. In the summer, they consume beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers, and flies; in the winter, they consume some seeds as well.
Saltmarsh Sparrow song:
Females build Saltmarsh Sparrow nests out of grasses and reeds, which are then supported by the surrounding vegetation. In order to protect and conceal the nest, they may also construct a dome above it.
Fun fact: Because males are promiscuous and non-territorial, Saltmarsh Sparrows’ nests are frequently immersed by the highest tides, allowing them to rebuild if the nest fails.
Grasshopper Sparrow
In New Jersey, Grasshopper Sparrows turn up in 2% of summer checklists. From May through July, they are most commonly seen during the breeding season.
Little birds with orange or yellow stripes above their eyes, Grasshopper Sparrows are light and dark brown streaking. Their tails are short, their beaks are huge, and their bellies are pale.
- Ammodramus savannarum
- Length: 4.3-4.5 in (10.8-11.5 cm)
- Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz (14-20 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9 in (20 cm)
Central and eastern US states, as well as California’s coast, and sections of northwestern US states are home to Grasshopper Sparrows. In the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, they spend the winter.
Grasshopper Sparrows may be seen on the ground hunting for grasshoppers and other arthropods and spiders in open plains and prairies. They eat fallen seeds throughout the winter.
Grasshopper Sparrow sounds: Grasshopper Sparrows get their name from a wagging insect-like song.
Grasshopper Sparrow nests are found among the grass. They’re constructed of grasses and plant matter and form a roof by weaving surrounding stalks together to form an entrance on one side.
During the breeding season, they lay up to seven eggs four times. The chicks take two weeks to emerge from the nest and another week or so to flee.
Fun Fact: To devour the gigantic legs of their grasshopper prey, Grasshopper Sparrows violently shake them.
Sparrows in New Jersey in Winter
White-throated Sparrow
From October to May, White-throated Sparrows are the most prevalent sparrows in New Jersey. On the state’s 39 winter checklists, they’re found in 39% of them.
The black and white striped head, vivid white throat, and yellow between the eye and beak distinguish White-throated Sparrows. Brown backs with a gray underbelly. Birds with tan-striped or white-striped heads have two color differences.
- Zonotrichia albicollis
- Length: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz (22-32 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)
White-throated Sparrows breed mostly in Canada before migrating south for the winter, visiting eastern and southern US states as well as the Pacific Coast.
Grasses and weeds, as well as fruits such as grape, sumac, mountain ash, blueberry, blackberry, and dogwood, are the major foods of White-throated Sparrows. In the summer, they may also devour a wide range of insects from the forest floor.
White-throated Sparrow sounds: A few long, slow notes that change pitch make up their whistle. When they whistle, it may sound like a person is whistling.
Females build nests of White-throated Sparrows in thick vegetation, usually on the ground or low to the ground. They’re lined with softer material like grass and animal hair, and they’re made of moss and twigs.
Six eggs are laid, and it takes two weeks for the eggs to hatch, followed by a further two weeks for the little to fleege.
Millet and black oil sunflower seeds on platform feeders attract White-throated Sparrows to your backyard feeders.
Fun fact: The white-throated sparrows with tan-stripe or white-stripe heads usually breed with the other morph.
Fox Sparrow
From October to May, Fox Sparrows may be seen in New Jersey during the winter. In the state’s 4% winter checklists, they are found.
The Fox Sparrow is appropriately named because of its fox-red coloring, despite the fact that some species are more gray or dark brown. The reddish streaks on its chest are much more noticeable. When compared to other sparrows, it is a chunkier bird.
Fox Sparrows come in four distinct hues and appearances. Eastern regions are home to Red Fox Sparrows, while the Pacific Coast is home to darker “sooty” Fox Sparrows. Slate-colored Fox Sparrows can be found in the western United States, whereas Thick-billed Fox Sparrows may be found in California.
- Passerella iliaca
- Length: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)
- Weight: 0.9-1.6 oz (26-44 g)
- Wingspan: 10.5-11.4 in (26.7-29 cm)
In the north and west of Canada, as well as Alaska and the western United States, Fox Sparrows migrate and breed.
They spend the winter in the southern United States, as well as along the Pacific. These may be seen throughout the year in central and northeastern US states, and they remain on Canada’s Pacific coast all year.
Wooded areas, undergrowth, and brush are all ideal places to look for Fox Sparrows. They migrate to comparable places during the winter, even in well-vegetated areas and parks. In order to find food on the ground, you may see them kicking up leaf litter in the air.
Fox Sparrows eat insects and seeds in large quantities. If they’re near the beach, they may snack on berries, grasses, crustaceans, and marine creatures at times.
Fox Sparrow sounds: Males emit a pleasant series of whistles and buzzing notes.
Fox Sparrow nests are concealed among thick, low bushes. They can also erect them in small trees, no more than eight feet from the ground. Grass, weeds, and moss are used to cover the nest, which is lined with dry grass. Twigs are utilized to toughen up the nest walls of those who are above ground.
They lay two to five eggs, which take around two weeks to hatch. Within eleven days of hatching, the young may leave the nest.
Little seeds and berries, as well as low native bushes, will attract Fox Sparrows to your yard.
Fun fact: A Fox Sparrow female may create a nest in a matter of seconds. At sunrise, they may begin construction of their home, and by dusk, it is finished!
American Tree Sparrow
In New Jersey, American Tree Sparrows are seen throughout the winter, with peak sightings in November through March. On 5% of winter checklists, they are documented.
Long-tailed brown-streaked fat birds with a rusty head, gray face, and a rusty eye line, American Tree sparrows are long-tailed.
- Spizelloides arborea
- Length: 5.5 in (14 cm)
- Weight: 0.5-1.0 oz (13-28 g)
- Wingspan: 9.4 in (24 cm)
In the United States, winter is spent by American Tree Sparrows, while summer is spent in Canada.
Except for the Pacific and Gulf Coasts, they breed in Canada’s far north and migrate to most US states during the winter.
In weedy fields and beneath bird feeders, you may see American Tree Sparrows foraging in small groups.
American Tree Sparrows sounds: Before heading out on their migration, males perform a pleasant song. A tuneful sequence of ascending and falling whistles serves as their tune.
American Tree Sparrow nests are made of twigs, grass, and moss and are usually located on or near the ground. They lay around five eggs, which take roughly two weeks to develop and a week and a half to fledge.
Black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, and millet are all options for attracting American Tree Sparrows to your backyard platform feeders. Tube feeders also deliver seeds that have been planted on the ground.
Fun fact: Foraging and nesting on the ground, American Tree Sparrows spend little time in trees. They were named after European tree sparrows, which they resembled. They are named after European settlers.
Sparrows in New Jersey during Migration
Swamp Sparrow
During the fall migration in October, Swamp Sparrows are most often seen in New Jersey and account for 26% of these sightings. Yet, a small percentage of summer and winter checklists for the state include those who stay all year.
The backs of Swamp Sparrows are dark brown, and their crowns and wings are rusty. Gray breasts and white throats distinguish them. They have brown faces with a black eye line and a yellow end to the beak, and their heads are gray.
- Melospiza georgiana
- Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.5-0.8 oz (15-23 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1-7.5 in (18-19 cm)
In the east, Swamp Sparrows are more common. Before going to eastern and southern US states, as well as Mexico, they breed in Canada and northeastern and North Central US states.
Swamp Sparrows can be found in wetland, swampland, bogs, and coastal marshes. As the name suggests. They eat seeds and fruit, as well as insects in the spring, during the winter.
Swamp Sparrow sounds: They perform a rapid trill on the same note.
Swamp Sparrow nests are made of twigs, leaves, and cattails and are normally hidden in vegetation on or near the ground. Grass and other vegetation are used to line the nest.
The young take another one or two weeks to fledge after laying up to six eggs that take two weeks to hatch.
Except during migration to yards with abundant vegetation and water, Swamp Sparrows do not visit backyards.
Fun fact: Before it gets light, Swamp Sparrows sing.
Savannah Sparrow
Savannah Sparrows may be found throughout New Jersey any time of year, but from April to May and October to November, they are most often observed during migration. During migration, they can be found in up to 21% of checklists.
You may notice a brown bird with a distinct yellow patch around the eye if you get close enough to a Savannah Sparrow. They feature small tails and a streaked brown coloration.
- Passerculus sandwichensis
- Length: 4.3-5.9 in (11-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.5-1.0 oz (15-28 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 in (20-22 cm)
Before going to the southern US states and Mexico for winter, Savannah Sparrows breed in Canada and the United States.
During the breeding season, Savannah Sparrows may be seen foraging for insects and spiders on the ground in open areas, such as grassland.
Savannah Sparrow sounds: A few quick notes followed by a buzzing trill, this is an almost frantic-sounding song.
Savannah Sparrow nests are made of grass and are placed on or near the ground. They lay up to six eggs, which take two weeks to hatch and another week or so for the chicks to fledge.
If you maintain brush piles, have long grass, and live near fields, these birds may visit your yard on a regular basis.
Fun fact: The ICUN has designated them as a vulnerable species, despite the fact that they are one of the most abundant songbirds in North America.
White-crowned Sparrow
During migration in October, White-crowned Sparrows are more commonly spotted in the south of the state, where they spend the winter. During migration, they appear in up to 10% of checklists.
White-crowned Sparrows are large grayish sparrows with long tails, tiny beaks, and extensive black and white stripes on their heads.
- Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Length: 5.9-6.3 in (15-16 cm)
- Weight: 0.9-1.0 oz (25-28 g)
- Wingspan: 8.3-9.4 in (21-24 cm)
Before going south for winter, White-crowned Sparrows breed in Alaska and arctic Canada. Yet, others may survive all year along the Pacific Coast and in the highlands of the west.
White-crowned Sparrows forage for seeds of weeds and grasses or fruit like elderberries and blackberries in weedy fields, along roadways, forest borders, and yards.
White-crowned Sparrow sounds: A clean whistle is followed by a succession of jumbled whistles, and ultimately by a buzz, in the males’ song. Short and pointed calls are common. Females are seldom heard calling or singing.
White-crowned Sparrow nests are typically found in shrubs or on the ground in the tundra, and are made of twigs, grass, moss, and pine needles. They lay seven eggs, which take up to two weeks to hatch and nine days for the chicks to fledge.
Sunflower seeds attract White-crowned Sparrows to your yard, and they will devour seeds put out by other birds at the feeders.
Fun fact: After leaving the nest, Young White-crowned Sparrows need another week or two to learn to fly.
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Between May and October, Lincoln’s Sparrows may be observed in New Jersey during their spring and autumn migrations. During migrations, a few of them remain for the winter, accounting for about 6% of checklists.
Lincoln’s Sparrows have brown streaks on their wings and chest, as well as white bellies. They are medium-sized sparrows with a gray coloration. When they raise their crown feathers, their heads may appear pointed. It has a buffy eyering with a black eye line and a gray eyebrow region.
- Melospiza lincolnii
- Length: 5.1-5.9 in (13-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (17-19 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)
During the winter, Lincoln’s Sparrows travel to southern US states, the Pacific Coast, and Mexico. They breed in Canada and portions of western US states. They may be seen around the rest of the country during migration.
Lincoln’s Sparrow is most commonly seen near streams and damp or wet places, where it may be found in thickets and densely-covered shrubs. During the winter, they go to tropical and humid environments.
During the winter, Lincoln’s Sparrows primarily eat weeds and grasses. They will consume spiders, ants, and caterpillars throughout the breeding season, yet they continue to feed their young plants.
Lincoln’s Sparrow sounds: One of the most tuneful of all the sparrows is their song, which is a quick trill of notes and buzzes.
Females create the Nest of Lincoln’s Sparrows, which is sheltered and screened by thick bushes. The nests, which contain four eggs, are lined with moss or grass.
The young leave the nest after two weeks, and the eggs take up to two weeks to hatch. By the sixth day, they have developed their flying abilities quickly and can fly over ten meters.
Fun fact: Sparrows are a secretive species and are only occasionally seen, although their lovely song may be recognized.
Vesper Sparrow
Vesper Sparrows, which are mostly seen in October and are found in 3% of checklists at this time, can be found in New Jersey during migration but are not particularly frequent.
Vesper Sparrows have brown backs with white streaks and white bellies, and they are very large sparrows.
- Pooecetes gramineus
- Length: 5.1-6.3 in (13-16 cm)
- Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (20-28 g)
- Wingspan: 9.4 in (24 cm)
The northern part of the US, southern Canada, and south into the states of Arizona and Texas are home to Vesper Sparrows during the summer. During the winter, they go to southern states and Mexico.
In open grasslands and weedy fields and meadows, you may locate Vesper Sparrows on the ground. Grasses and weeds, as well as certain insects and spiders, are eaten seeds.
Vesper Sparrow sounds: A few low whistles are followed by a succession of ascending and falling trills in males.
Vesper Sparrow nests are made of grass, bark, and moss and are found on the ground. They lay six eggs, which take two to three weeks to hatch and another week or two for the young to fled the nest.
Fun fact: To capture their attention, male Vesper Sparrows fly into the air and sing as they pursue females with their wings raised.
Nelson’s Sparrow
In New Jersey, Nelson’s Sparrows are rare, but during the fall migration in October, they are most likely to be seen.
Around the head and chest, Nelson’s Sparrows are more orangy. Their bellies are gray, and their backs and bellies are gray with brown stripes. In comparison to interior birds, coastal birds are duller in hue.
- Ammospiza nelsoni
- Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (17-21 g)
- Wingspan: 6.5-7.9 in (16.5-20 cm)
Nelson’s Sparrows migrate to the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts for winter after breeding in central Canadian regions. During their migration across the Great Plains, they can be seen.
In the summer, Nelson’s Sparrows may be found foraging for seeds and insects on the ground in wetlands. In the winter, they can be found in saline and brackish marshes.
Nelson’s Sparrow sounds:
The female builds Nelson’s Sparrow nests, which are often located near the ground and constructed of grass. They normally lay six eggs, which take around two weeks to hatch.
Fun fact: During a courting performance, Nelson’s Sparrow males fly swiftly and far above the marsh grass.
Clay-colored Sparrow
In New Jersey, Clay-colored Sparrows are rarely seen, but during the state’s fall migration in October, they are most likely to be seen.
The head markings of these little, plain birds set them apart from other sparrows, and they are found across the northern grasslands and plains. Their necks are ringed with a gray collar, and their tails are long and serrated.
- Spizella pallida
- Length: 5.1 – 6 in (13 – 15 cm)
- Weight: 0.42 oz (12 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5 in (19 cm)
In the northern grasslands, Clay-colored Sparrows are the most frequently seen sparrow. Before migrating south to Texas and Mexico, they breed in Canada and the northern Great Plains.
Clay-colored Sparrows may be seen in shrubland in the summer, scoping out seeds, leaf buds, and other insects.
Clay-colored Sparrow sounds: A two-note buzzing sound is their song’s melody.
Clay-colored Sparrow nests are often found in the midst of vegetation and are often close to the ground. They’re lined with softer grasses and animal hair, and the female makes them from twigs and grass.
They lay five eggs that take two weeks to hatch and another week for the chicks to leave the nest.
Fun fact: When there is a threat, young Clay-colored Sparrows abandon the nest before they can fly and have to hide.
Lark Sparrow
In New Jersey, Lark Sparrows are extremely uncommon, yet they have been observed throughout the fall migration in September and are considered to be regular visitors.
Lark Sparrows have a number of characteristics that set them apart. It features a brown-streaked back, a white belly, and a brown, white-edged tail with brown and white striped crown.
- Chondestes grammacus
- Length: 5.9-6.7 in (15-17 cm)
- Weight: 0.8-1.2 oz (24-33 g)
- Wingspan: 11.0 in (28 cm)
Except for the east, Lark Sparrows breed in every US state. In certain southern Canadian provinces, they also breed. Birds on the Pacific Coast, especially in California and southern states, remain throughout the year, despite winters spent in Mexico.
In the summer, Lark Sparrows eat a variety of insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles. In the winter, they primarily eat seeds, grasses, and weeds.
The males’ song is a happy mix of whistles, buzzes, and churr noises that may be heard.
Both males and females participate in the creation of Lark Sparrow nests. Females will perform the actual construction, while males will lay twigs at the site. On the ground, in low trees, and even in rocky cliffs’ crevices, nests may be found.
Grass, weeds, animal hair, and twigs are used to create an open cup for the female. A nest typically contains six eggs, taking approximately twelve days to develop and another ten days for the young to escape.
Seeds are the favorite food of Lark Sparrows, so attract them to your yard.
Fun fact: During their courting ritual, male Lark Sparrows dance for 5 minutes.
How to Attract Sparrows to Your Backyard
With these simple steps, you can attract sparrows to your yard.
- Sunflower seeds, nyjer, millet, and cracked corn are among the seeds that they prefer.
- To attract insects, plant native plants and shrubs.
- A clean-running water feature is required.
- Feeders should not be placed in areas where cats may pounce because they are protected.
Most Commonly Spotted Sparrows in New Jersey:
On ebird, birdwatchers submit checklists that show how frequently each of New Jersey’s sparrows is spotted:
- Song Sparrow 36.8%
- White-throated Sparrow 27.0%
- House Sparrow 23.4%
- Chipping Sparrow 12.9%
- Eastern Towhee 11.3%
- Field Sparrow 9.2%
- Swamp Sparrow 7.1%
- Savannah Sparrow 5.4%
- Fox Sparrow 2.4%
- American Tree Sparrow 2.1%
- White-crowned Sparrow 1.7%
- Seaside Sparrow 1.6%
- Lincoln’s Sparrow 0.7%
- Saltmarsh Sparrow 0.7%
- Grasshopper Sparrow 0.6%
- Vesper Sparrow 0.3%
- Nelson’s Sparrow 0.2%
- Clay-colored Sparrow 0.2%
- Lark Sparrow 0.1%