Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW.

561. Spizella pallida. 5¼ inches.

These are much like the [Chipping Sparrow] in every way, with the exception of color, the brown being replaced by the clay-color. Breeds in the Northern United States and into Canada; winters south to Texas and Mexico, rarely in eastern Colorado. Their nest is usually placed on the ground, but may be found in low shrubs in some localities; four eggs are the usual complement, of a light greenish blue, with spots of brown about the larger end (.65 × .50).