The sagebrush sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow of the western United States and northwestern Mexico. It used to be placed in the genus Amphispiza, but evidence from 2007 and 2009 suggested it be placed in its own genus.
Region
Western United States and northwestern Mexico
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across sagebrush steppe and shrublands of the interior West, including parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and eastern California. In winter it moves to lower, warmer desert scrub of the Mojave and Sonoran regions, extending into northern Baja California and northwestern mainland Mexico (Sonora and adjacent areas). It favors open flats and gentle slopes with extensive big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, saltbush, or shadscale, interspersed with bare ground. Populations also occur around greasewood and alkali basins near playas. It generally avoids dense grasses, tall woodlands, and heavily disturbed shrublands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sagebrush specialist breeds in the Great Basin and winters in the deserts of the Southwest and northwestern Mexico. Formerly placed in Amphispiza, it is now in its own genus Artemisiospiza based on genetic evidence. It often sings from the top of a sagebrush but forages mostly on the ground, dashing between shrubs with a quick, tail-flicking gait. Its fortunes closely track the health of sagebrush ecosystems, which are threatened by fire, invasive plants, and development.
Sagebrush Sparrow
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, fluttering hops between shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, with males singing from shrub tops to defend territories. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or on the ground under cover. Outside the breeding season it forms loose, small flocks, often mixed with other sparrows while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A bright series of short notes and buzzy trills delivered from a prominent shrub perch. Calls include a sharp, dry tsip and soft chips while foraging.
Plumage
Gray head with a clean white throat, streaked brown back, and pale underparts often showing a faint central breast spot. The throat is bordered by bold dark lateral throat stripes, and the tail shows white edges. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitted, with subtle streaking on the flanks.
Diet
Eats a mix of seeds from sagebrush, grasses, and forbs, supplemented with insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants, and caterpillars. Insects dominate during the breeding season to meet higher protein needs. Seeds and green plant material form a larger share of the diet in winter.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground beneath or between shrubs, picking items from bare soil and low vegetation. Often uses the protective cover of sagebrush, saltbush, and shadscale edges, and will glean low foliage after rains or during insect flushes.
