Vesper Sparrow Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Vesper Sparrows are fairly large sparrows with a chunky body, a fairly small conical bill, and a long, notched tail.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Savannah Sparrow, smaller than a Western Meadowlark.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 5.1-6.3 in (13-16 cm)
    • Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (20-28 g)
    • Wingspan: 9.4 in (24 cm)

  © Steve Kelling / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Brown overall with crisp streaks. The most notable features include a thin white eyering, white outer tail feathers (seen in flight), and a pale cheek patch. Vesper Sparrows also have a distinctive, but difficult to see, chestnut patch on the shoulder.

• Behavior

  Spends most of its time on the ground, running or hopping through grass, but isn't as reclusive as some sparrows. Males sing from elevated perches. Found in mixed-sparrow flocks with Savannah Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Brewer's Sparrows, and Lark Buntings outside of the breeding season.
• Habitat

  Found in open grassy areas including prairie, weedy fields, sagebrush steppe, meadows, pastures, and roadsides. Tends to avoid areas with taller grass and wetter areas.