Sagebrush Sparrow
Artemisiospiza nevadensis
Pale, subtly-patterned sparrow. Sandy-brown overall with gray head and whitish breast with dark central spotting. Very similar to Bell’s Sparrow and once considered the same species. Sagebrush Sparrow is usually paler and less contrasty overall. Also look for Sagebrush's relatively indistinct and narrow dark mustache stripe and distinct dark streaks on pale brown back. Found in shrubby expanses of sagebrush in western North America (more extensive range than Bell’s, essentially only overlapping in winter). Perches up conspicuously when singing; otherwise stays low and hidden. Frequently runs on the ground, often with tail cocked up. Song is a jumble of mechanical, musical notes, slower than Bell's Sparrow.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Artemisiospiza nevadensis
- Authority
- (Ridgway, 1874)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Passerellidae
- Genus
- Artemisiospiza
Range and habitat
Sagebrush sparrows are indeed often tied to sagebrush habitats, although they can also be found in brushy stands of saltbush, chamise, and other low shrubs of the arid interior west.<p>The species breeds in the interior of the Western United States (between the Rocky Mountains and the coastal ranges such as the Cascades). It winters in the Mexican-border states and northern Sonora and Chihuahua.<p>The habitat of sagebrush sparrows is frequently threatened by woody plant encroachment or the invasion of herbaceous plants.
- Breeding range
- NA : wc USA
- Non-breeding range
- sw USA and n Mexico
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Zamboanga Bulbul
Hypsipetes rufigularis
A medium-sized bird of foothill forest and edge in western Mindanao and on adjacent islands. Dark brown above with a grayish-brown streaked crown, a white belly, white under the base of the tail, and a warm reddish-brown throat, cheek, and chest. Note the strong black bill. Somewhat similar to Yellow-wattled Bulbul, but lacks the crest and the obvious yellow eye-ring. Voice includes a loud, pulsing “picha! picha! picha!” followed by medium-pitched warbling.
Black-winged Oriole
Oriolus nigripennis
A large oriole found primarily in secondary and submontane forests. Has a golden yellow body, a black head and throat, a red bill, and red eyes. The wings have uniform black primary flight feathers and some black edging on the secondary flight feathers. The tail is black with yellow feather tips. Easily confused with the co-occurring Western Black-headed Oriole, but note Black-winged Oriole’s solid black primary flight feathers and darker black tail. Voice is a varied series of whistles and liquid “tlee-o-yup!” calls.
Black Guillemot
Cepphus grylle
Small seabird of coastal areas of the North Atlantic and Alaska. Breeding plumage is entirely black with bold white patch on wings and bright red legs. Changes dramatically in winter to whitish overall with some dusky markings on body and black wingtips. Often found in shallower coastal waters including from shore. Dives to hunt for fish and invertebrates. Nests in crevice or burrow in a cliff or around large rocks.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.