Species BirdsLark Sparrow

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

CommonBird
Illustration of Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)

The Lark Sparrow is among the most boldly patterned sparrows in North America, with a harlequin head pattern of chestnut, white, and black. The black spot in the center of the breast and white corners to the rounded tail are additional field marks. It regularly sings from the tops of trees — one of the few sparrows to do so.

Habitat
Open woodland edges, grasslands, and scrubby areas across central and western North America
Diet
Seeds and grasshoppers from the ground
How common
Common

Best time to see a Lark Sparrow

The best time to see a Lark Sparrow is March–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 24,699 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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