LeConte's Sparrow

Ammospiza leconteii

OrderPasseriformes

FamilyPasserellidae

HabitatDense tall grass, damp meadows, and grassy marsh edges

SeasonWinter visitor (November-March)

LocationSilverado Springs Park, Cedar Park, Texas, Williamson County, Texas

Size4.5-5 inches

DietGrass seeds and small insects

ConservationLeast Concern (IUCN)

CameraNikon D500Lens600mmAperturef/6.3Shutter1/500ISO2000

LeConte's Sparrow peeking out of the tall grass at Silverado Springs Park.

About the LeConte's Sparrow

LeConte's Sparrow is a tiny, secretive sparrow with a bright orange-buff face, a pale crown stripe, and fine purple-brown streaks on the nape. When seen well it is one of the prettiest sparrows in North America. The trouble is seeing it well.

It lives in thick grass and runs like a mouse instead of flying. When flushed it flutters a short way and drops back out of sight. Most birders get only a glimpse, so a LeConte's Sparrow that perches in the open is a moment worth remembering.

It spends the winter in Central and East Texas grasslands. These photographs come from Silverado Springs Park in Williamson County on February 15, 2022.

Want to see a LeConte's Sparrow in the wild?
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.

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