Clay-colored Sparrow Similar Species Comparison

Breeding adult

Petite, trim sparrow with a small bill, slender body, and fairly long, notched tail. Mostly a pale, tan-and-gray bird with a contrasting face pattern. The pale gray collar is a helpful mark at all times of year.

Nonbreeding adult/immature

Petite sparrow with a small bill. The broad, buffy eyebrow, pale area in front of the eye, pale mustache, and gray collar are good field marks. Note pale central crown stripe.

A petite sparrow with a small, pale bill and fairly long, notched tail. Mostly pale, with a light gray collar. The crown is finely streaked, with a pale stripe over the eye and darker cheek.

Nonbreeding adult/immature

Small sparrow with a small bill. Note broad buffy eyebrow, pale mustache, and gray collar.

Breeding adult

Song is a simple series of 2–8 high buzzes, sounding very insectlike.

Nonbreeding adult/immature

Petite sparrow with a small bill. Note pale area in front of the eye and gray collar.

Breeding adult

At the eastern edge of their range, look for them in Christmas tree farms and grassy areas with short, scattered conifers.

Juvenile

Breeding adult

Breeds in shrublands, field edges, and thickets across the northern prairies. Winters in desert grasslands, upland plains, thorn scrub, fields, and brushy hillsides.

Nonbreeding adult/immature

Breeding adult

Small sparrow with a tan cheek patch and broad buffy eyebrow. Note unstreaked belly.