The black-chinned sparrow is a small bird in the genus Spizella, in the New World sparrow family Passerellidae. It is found in the southwestern United States and throughout much of Mexico north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; most populations in the US migrate south after breeding while those in Mexico are resident. It is a slim, long-tailed bird, primarily gray with a reddish-brown back streaked with black, brown wings and tail, a pink beak, and brownish legs and feet. In the breeding season, the male shows black on his throat, chin, and the front of his face. Females, youngsters and nonbreeding males show little or no black in these areas. An unobtrusive bird, it spends much of its time foraging slowly along the ground, either alone or in small groups, sometimes mixing with other Spizella species. It is an omnivore, feeding primarily on seeds during the winter and insects during the summer. It builds a cup-shaped nest of grasses, rootlets, or plant fibers, into which the female lays 2–5 pale blue eggs. The female does most or all of the egg incubation, but both parents feed the hatched nestlings.
Region
Southwestern United States and Mexican Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs from the arid foothills and chaparral of the southwestern United States south through much of northern and central Mexico. Prefers dense, shrubby slopes, desert scrub with scattered bushes, pinyon–juniper edges, and oak scrub. During the nonbreeding season it may move to lower, more open scrub and desert wash habitats with seed-rich ground cover.
Altitude Range
300–2500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Breeding males show a distinct black chin and throat that largely fades outside the breeding season, making the species trickier to identify in winter. It favors dense, brushy habitats in arid foothills and chaparral, often keeping low and foraging quietly on or near the ground. Populations in the U.S. mostly migrate south after breeding, while many Mexican populations are resident. Nests are placed low in shrubs and can be subject to brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds.
Females, youngsters, and nonbreeding males show few or no black markings on the head, chin and throat.
Dense, brushy cover is preferred habitat.
Temperament
unobtrusive and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low bounding flights between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone, in pairs, or small loose groups; may mix with other Spizella sparrows in winter. Forms monogamous pairs in the breeding season and nests low in dense shrubs. The cup nest is built of grasses and plant fibers, with clutches of 2–5 pale blue eggs. Female incubates primarily, while both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a bright, tinkling series of high, musical trills and short phrases typical of Spizella sparrows. Calls are thin, high tsip or tseet notes given from cover or low perches.
