Grasshopper Sparrow Similar Species Comparison

Main SpeciesGrasshopper Sparrow

Adult

Small, flat-headed sparrow with a deep bill. Unstreaked and buffy below with rusty spotting or streaking on the back. Note orange-yellow stripe in front of the eye.

Adult

Flat-headed, short-tailed sparrow. Note unstreaked buffy belly and orange-yellow spot in front of the eye. Yellow feather edges at the shoulder are not often visible

Adult

Song is two short notes followed by a high, thin, insectlike trill.

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Adult

Juvenile

Juveniles have a band of streaks across the breast and are streaked brown, black, and buff on the back. Juveniles also show the orange-yellow mark in front of the eye.

Adult

Note distinctive shape, with large bill, flat head, and thick neck.

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Adult

Flat-headed sparrow with a deep bill, unstreaked buffy breast, white eyering, and an orange-yellow mark in front of the eye.

Adult

Flat-headed sparrow with a pale central crown stripe bordered by 2 dark stripes.

Adult

Usually shows orange-yellow on the lores—the area between the bill and the eye.

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Adult

Small, flat-headed sparrow with rusty streaks or spots on the back, a thin white eyering and an orange-yellow spot in front of the eye.

Juvenile

Main call is a very high, thin seep.

Not all videos have sound

Similar SpeciesHenslow's Sparrow

Adult

Henslow's Sparrows have dark streaks on the flanks unlike Grasshopper Sparrows, which have cleaner flanks. They also have a darker ear patch and more rusty color on the wings.

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