The black-throated sparrow is a small New World sparrow primarily found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is the only member of the genus Amphispiza; the five-striped sparrow, formerly also classified in Amphispiza, is now thought to be in the monotypic genus Amphispizopsis.
Region
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave deserts, extending into adjacent arid scrub and open chaparral. Prefers open, sparsely vegetated terrain with scattered shrubs such as creosote bush, mesquite, and cactus. Common along dry washes, rocky slopes, and desert flats, and generally avoids dense woodland or lush grassland. Nests are typically placed low in shrubs or cacti, well concealed among spines or dense twigs.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A desert specialist of the southwestern United States and Mexico, the black-throated sparrow thrives in arid scrub with sparse shrubs and open ground. It is known for its crisp black throat and bold white head stripes, which make it easy to identify even at a distance. It conserves water efficiently and often forages during cooler hours, shifting from mostly insects in the breeding season to seeds in fall and winter.
Lost Dutchman State Park
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Breeds in monogamous pairs, nesting low in shrubs or cacti with 2–4 eggs per clutch. Outside the breeding season it often forms small loose flocks, sometimes mixing with other sparrows. Territorial during nesting, but otherwise tolerant of conspecifics at foraging sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a clear, ringing series of short whistled phrases, often delivered from a shrub or low perch. Calls include thin tseet notes and soft chips used to keep contact in open habitats.
