Species of Sparrows in Washington

Several different species of sparrows are found in Washington state. North American sparrows, called New Word sparrows, are members of the Emberizidae bird family. This family also includes longspurs and several species of buntings. Most North American sparrows nest and forage for food on the ground. Most species eat insects and seeds.

  1. Grasshopper Sparrow

    • Grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) are short grassland sparrows found in many parts of the United States including eastern Washington. They are chestnut and gray in color with some white markings around the eyes. The grasshopper sparrow can be found in open grasslands with low-lying bushes for perching. These birds can be seen running along the ground foraging for food. They generally travel alone. During the winter months, grasshoppers feed mostly on seeds, but during the summer, as their name suggests, they eat insects including grasshoppers.

    American Tree Sparrow

    • The American tree sparrow (Spizella arborea) is a small sparrow native to many parts of the United States, including eastern Washington. The American tree sparrow has a brown-gray breast and undersides and streaked white wings. The tail and the rump are usually solid gray. They are usually found in open areas such as grassland, farmland and sagebrush desert. They forage for food in large flocks, eating a number of different seeds, berries and insects. These sparrows are found in Washington during the winter months.

    Chipping Sparrow

    • The chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a small sparrow found in many parts of the United States, including parts of eastern Washington. Chipping sparrows are mostly gray in color and have streaked white wings and a distinctive red caplike marking on their heads. They are often found in open, dry forest areas and can often be seen in populated areas such as the suburbs of major cities. Chipping sparrows search for food in flocks and usually hop or run along the ground. They eat seeds and many species of crawling insects. They are very common in the pine forests of eastern Washington.

    Sage Sparrow

    • The sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli) is a sparrow native to the eastern United States, including central Washington. The sage sparrow has a white breast with a distinctive dark spot in the middle. It has a brown-gray underbelly and a long, thin black tail. Sage sparrows are found in grasslands and shrublands and prefer dry, hot climates. They forage for insects and seeds in small flocks. When sitting on a low-lying bush or shrub, sage sparrows pump their tails up and down.