The Savannah sparrow is a small New World sparrow that is the only member of the genus Passerculus. It is a widespread and abundant species that occupies open grassland habitats in North America.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across open habitats from Alaska and Canada through much of the northern United States, with wintering populations across the southern U.S., Mexico, and into parts of Central America and the Caribbean. Prefers open grasslands, pastures, meadows, coastal saltmarshes, tundra edges, and agricultural fields. Often occupies roadside margins and airport grasslands where low vegetation dominates. Ground cover with scattered taller stems is important for foraging and nest concealment. Coastal subspecies use dune grasslands and saltmarshes extensively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Savannah sparrows are named after Savannah, Georgia, where an early specimen was collected. They show notable geographic variation with many subspecies, including the pale, large-bodied Ipswich Sparrow that breeds on Sable Island. Their buzzy, insect-like song often ends with a thin, prolonged trill, and a yellow wash in the lores helps with identification. Nests are typically concealed on the ground in dense grass or sedges.
Probably P. s. oblitus, Kirkfield, Ontario, Canada
A Savannah sparrow (Ipswich)on the jetty at Barnegat Inlet, NJ.
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, nesting on the ground in shallow, grass-lined cups. Outside of breeding, forms loose flocks, especially in winter foraging areas. Socially monogamous pairs are common, but extra-pair matings occur. Males sing from low perches such as fence lines or grass stems to defend territories.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A thin, buzzy series starting with sharp introductory notes and ending in a sustained insect-like trill. Calls include sharp chips and tseet notes, often given in flight or from low cover.
Plumage
Crisply streaked brown upperparts with fine black and buff markings; white to buff underparts with heavy brown streaking across breast and flanks, often forming a faint central breast spot.
Diet
Eats a mix of grass and weed seeds, grains, and small invertebrates. Insects and spiders dominate during the breeding season, including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. In coastal saltmarshes it also takes small crustaceans and marine invertebrates. Outside the breeding season, it shifts more heavily to seeds and waste grain.
Preferred Environment
Forages primarily on the ground or low in vegetation within open grassy habitats and marsh edges. Often feeds along paths, field margins, and the bases of grass tussocks where seeds and insects are concentrated. In winter, uses stubble fields and saltmarsh pannes.
