Chipping Sparrows are very busy little birds. They rush around chipping away at most anything. They have a small, compact, fairly flat-head and a rather long, notched tail. Their legs are quite short. Mostly they will be in large flocks. It seems to be a protection for them. They like to usually feed in open ground areas. They really prefer open woodlands and forests where they can find wide open grassy clearings. Parks, roadside grasses and open yards are super for them. Their singing can be heard from high up in the evergreen trees. They love to show off their vocals.

With your binoculars take some time and look for general markings and characteristics, things that you notice right off. Do not spend a lot of time trying to memorize different aspects of the Chipping Sparrow. Just look for general information and then you will be able to quickly recognize what group these birds belong to by noticing size, general shape, colors and their behavior.

I suggest that you keep a note book of these characteristics. You can add to it from time to time. This will help you understand and learn. But be patient and note things only one at a time. Otherwise you may get tired and discouraged because you can’t remember everything at once. It will all come in time as you watch these birds. Also take a look at the field marks such as a wingbar and eyering markings to tie some IDs down.

Please remember also to note what time of year you see them as well as other kinds of birds you see in your neighborhood. Then you will be able to keep track of them better next year when the return.

A good field book on birds will help, but do not try to memorize everything in it all at once. Just learn about your specific bird of interest.

Chipping Sparrow

Size & Shape

Has a small, compact, fairly flat-headed sparrow with a long, notched tail

Color Pattern

Crisp, frosty gray-white below, striking reddish cap with a black line through its eye

Behavior

Likes to be in flocks; feeds on open ground, sings from high in trees, often evergreens

Habitat

Prefers open woodlands, forests with grassy clearings, parks, roadsides, yards

Birding is a great sport, especially watching Chipping Sparrows. Their antics and activities will keep you busy for hours. With some enjoyable work in preparation by learning a few basics about them and with a good pair of bird watching binoculars you can have many hours of pleasure with your family or by yourself.

Roger Johnson