Sparrow Types And Where To Find Them

Sparrows are common around the world. There are over fifty bird species of sparrows in North America.

If you’re on a hike, you’ll likely find these tiny birds with short tails and thick necks.

While not a songbird, they have some beautiful tunes to share. 

So, let’s take a look at the different types of sparrows that you’ll be able to find.

American Tree Sparrow

The American Tree sparrow prefers a cold climate and will spend its summer in northern parts of Canada and Alaska.

However, it will spend winter in the northern parts of the United States. It prefers to live in bushy habitats and will mix with other sparrows.

Black Throated Sparrow

Named for its black throat, this Sparrow will likely be found in desert regions in the United States and Mexico, specifically in the western and southwestern areas of the United States.

Brewer’s Sparrow

The Brewer’s Sparrow can be found in the Central States of the U.S. In western and south-western areas, they live in sagebrush areas. You’ll likely find them in dry environments.

Chipping Sparrow 

As a small American sparrow, the Chipping Sparrow is commonly found in the summer in Canada and the United States.

They also appear in the winter months in both southern states and Mexico. They’re easily recognized by having a bold rufous crown and a black eye stripe.

Clay Colored Sparrow

A small sparrow found in the southwestern United States. Named after its brown upper body, both sexes are similar in appearance.

Clay colored sparrows are located in Southern parts of Canada and northern plain states in the summer. But in the winter, they migrate to Southern Texas and Mexico. 

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is not native to the United States and looks similar to a male house sparrow.

However, it has a brown cap instead of gray. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow also has a distinctive black patch on its cheek.

Field Sparrow

You can find Field Sparrows all year round in the eastern areas of the United States, spending time in grasslands and fields.

Fox Sparrow

Like a fox, the Fox Sparrow has a red and gray plumage. They look similar to the Song Sparrow, and you may mistake one for the other.

However, the Fox Sparrow has thick triangular arrow-shaped spots on its body.

Grasshopper Sparrows

Grasshopper Sparrows are small gray and brown birds with thin beaks and pale eyes. You’ll find them commonly around winter in the Southern United States and Mexico.

In the summer, they migrate over to the middle and northern half of the east part of the United States to breed. In terms of diet, they enjoy grasshoppers in the winter.

Golden Crowned Sparrow

A common sight in the western parts of North America. You can find them in sagebrush habitats.

The golden crowned sparrow is named for the bright yellow crown on its head.

They’re commonly found in winter along the pacific coast, and in the summer, they move to Canada and Alaska.

Lark Sparrow

With a multicolored head, the lark sparrow somehow has a relatively plain body.

In the summer, you can typically find them in the central and western areas of the United States.

Leconte’s Sparrow

In the summer months, a shy sparrow can be found in central Canada. In the winter, you can find them on the central Gulf Coast of the U.S.

They follow a narrow migration path and fly through the great plains. 

Lincoln’s Sparrow

Found in Canada and Alaska during the summer. They migrate through the winter through the southern portion of the United States and Mexico.

They prefer to be concealed, so they may mix with flocks with other sparrows while migrating.

Male House Sparrow

One of the most widespread birds in North America, they can also be found in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Initially located in Europe, they were introduced to New York in 1851.

Olive Sparrow

Olive Sparrows can be found in the southwestern portions of both the United States and Mexico.

It looks similar to the Chipping Sparrow but has a larger bill.

Oregon Dark Eyed Junco

A variant of the Dark Eyed Junco, the Oregon variant stands out with its pink bill.

It is commonly found in the west and will migrate to Northern Mexico and the Baja Peninsula.

Savannah Sparrow

The savannah sparrow prefers to live in open areas and can be found in huge flocks when they migrate.

They have heavy patterns on their face, such as a yellow splotch by their eye.

There are a variety of subspecies of savannah sparrows in different geographic locations, and they also have different colors.

Slate Dark Eyed Junco

A typical winter bird found in the United States, and they spend their summer in Canada and Alaska.

They’re commonly referred to as snowbirds and prefer colder climates. You’ll usually find them in the winter months.

Song Sparrow

If you’ve seen a sparrow, it’s most likely the Song Sparrow. Surprisingly, they’re difficult to identify due to their bland, streaked plumage.

They like to sing a lot, with both males and females nesting together in tall grass and weeds.

They aren’t afraid of being near humans and regularly visit bird feeders in the garden.

Swamp Sparrow

You can find a Swamp Sparrow in marshes, bogs, and wet meadows in the north and west of the U.S and Canada. 

Vesper Sparrow

Vesper sparrows can be found in the northern half of the United States during the summer months for breeding, while they migrate to the southern parts of North America in autumn and winter.

They sing after sunset when the other birds sleep.

White-Crowned Sparrow

Easily distinguished compared to others, the white-throated sparrow is a familiar sight in the western part of the United States and throughout Canada. 

White Throated Sparrow

A common sight in eastern states over the winter and in Canada over the summer. Their white throat makes them easy to identify, with stripy facial patterns and yellow spots between their eyes.

They’re likely to visit your bird feeder, but they also like to have some spaces to hide.

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