The Clay-colored Sparrow is a pale, sandy sparrow of the northern Great Plains with an unusual mechanical song — an insect-like series of flat buzzes given from the top of a bush. The pale face with a dark malar stripe and contrasting brown cheek patch bordered by white are distinctive. It is very common in the shrub-grasslands of the northern Plains and winters in Mexico.
Best time to see a Clay-colored Sparrow
The best time to see a Clay-colored Sparrow is March–June, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,143 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Clay-colored Sparrow? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Clay-colored Sparrow sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Clay-colored 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.