Bell's Sparrow is the California chaparral counterpart to the Sagebrush Sparrow. It inhabits dense chamise and coastal sage scrub and runs along the ground with its tail cocked. It was split from the Sagebrush Sparrow in 2013. A darker, streaked subspecies inhabits San Francisco Bay area salt marshes.
Best time to see a Bell's Sparrow
The best time to see a Bell's Sparrow is January–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,595 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Bell's Sparrow? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Bell's Sparrow sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Bell's Sparrow?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.