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Location: Point Loma, CA
Date: 2007-06-02
Lens: Canon 600mm IS F4 + 1.4x II Converter
Date: 2007-06-02
Lens: Canon 600mm IS F4 + 1.4x II Converter
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina
DescriptionThis cute little sparrow is sometimes referred to as the "Hairbird". It earned this name through the habit of gathering and lining its nest with hair. Tpically the hair is gathered from any resource, including horses and sleeping dogs. These birds feed on seeds and insects (in lesser quantities).
Chestnut-brown crown. Brown back with dark streaks. Brown wings with wingbars. Brown tail. Pale gray face, back of neck, chest, belly, and underparts. White chin and eyebrow. Black eyestripe. Black bill. Pale patch below eye bordered by dark stripe. Young have a striped crown. Wintering birds have a brown striped crown and duller underparts. Sexes similiar. 5 to 5.5 inches in length.
Woodland edges, fields, chaparral, and backyards.
Nesting3-5 pale blue eggs with brown spots. The eggs have an 11-14 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 8-12 days. The nest is a solid cup of grass and stems lined with hair. Usually found in shrubs.
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