| Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) (Gmelin, 1789) |
| Synonyms: Coturniculus savannarum |
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Ammodramus savannarum inhabits a wide range from southern Canada to northwestern South America, and the Caribbean; 12 subspecies. The northern populations are short distance migrants wintering in the southern United States. This species occurs in grasslands, including tallgrass and shortgrass prairie, hayfields, old fields, pastures, and pine savannas; up to 1,550 m. A small to medium-sized brown sparrow (length 10-14 cm; weight 13-28 g) with a dark brown crown with a central light stripe, orange or golden lores, streaked upperparts, and a short brown tail. An insect-like buzzy song. Arrives at breeding grounds from late February to mid-May. The nest is built on the ground, often at the base of grass clumps; well concealed. Northern populations lay in late May-early June, 4-5 eggs. Incubation 11-13 days; the young leave after ca. 9 days. Southbound migration from mid-August. Grasshopper Sparrow feeds on small arthropods and seeds. Many populations have declined due to loss of native grasslands.
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