The vesper sparrow is a medium-sized New World sparrow. The only member of the genus Pooecetes, it is a pale sparrow with brown streaks that breeds across the grasslands of northern North America. It migrates to winter in the southern United States and Mexico.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across open grasslands, prairies, pastures, and agricultural fields of Canada and the northern and western United States. Prefers expansive, sparsely vegetated areas with scattered shrubs or fence lines for song perches. In winter it moves to the southern United States and Mexico, using similar open habitats, fallow fields, and weedy edges. Ground nests are placed under clumps of grasses or forbs for concealment. It tolerates some disturbance but declines where grasslands are lost or heavily altered.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its rich evening (vesper) song, this sparrow often sings from fence posts at dusk. It flashes white outer tail feathers in flight and shows a small rufous patch on the shoulder. The species nests on the ground and is sensitive to mowing and intensive agriculture. It is the sole member of the genus Pooecetes.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Breeding pairs defend territories in open grasslands, with the male singing from exposed perches such as fence posts or shrub tops. Nests are shallow ground cups lined with fine grasses, typically concealed at the base of vegetation. Clutches usually contain 3–5 eggs, and pairs may raise one or two broods per season. Outside the breeding season they form loose flocks, often mixing with other sparrows in open fields.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A sweet, ringing series of clear notes that accelerates into a soft, tinkling cascade, often delivered at dusk and dawn. Calls include sharp tsip notes and soft chips from the ground or low perches.
Plumage
Pale brown upperparts heavily streaked with darker brown; finely streaked breast with a faint central spot. Subtle whitish wingbars with a small rufous patch at the bend of the wing. Tail is brown with conspicuous white outer feathers that flash in flight.
Diet
Eats a mix of grass and weed seeds, grains, and a wide variety of insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. During the breeding season, insects make up a larger portion of the diet, especially for feeding nestlings. In winter it shifts more toward seeds and waste grain in agricultural areas. Forages by walking or hopping on the ground, gleaning and occasionally scratching among litter.
Preferred Environment
Open fields, pastures, prairie edges, and stubble or fallow agricultural land. Frequently feeds along roadsides, field margins, and patches of bare soil where seeds and insects are accessible. Uses scattered vegetation for cover and quick retreat.
