Where breezes never fail.
Lark Sparrow
Chondestes grammacus
These large sparrows are easily identified. No other sparrow has a white border around the tail or the distinctive chestnut and white head pattern. Another mark is a distinct, dark spot on the breast. Clay-colored Sparrows show a similar head pattern but lighter parts are grayer and the cheek patch is duller, more brown than chestnut. The latter-named bird has no spot on the breast.
Lark Sparrows prefer open areas along country roads, old orchards or pastures with scattered trees or bushy hedges. Such habitat furnishes nesting sites and a plentiful supply of insects, small seeds and grit for their use. Altho usually a common species within its range, these birds are inclined to be erratic and might be scarce one season and abundant the next, with no apparent reason.
They nest on or near the ground but like to sing from a more elevated perch such as a fence, bush or tree. Some sing while hovering in the air. They cover a wide range but populations vary from year to year.
Their song is a series of melodious notes, varying in pitch but seeming to include a few “churrs” which are quite distinctive. Songs vary between birds, each bird giving a wide variety of notes in a short period of time.
You like the pastures
With scattered trees,
Where you can live