21 Melodious Sparrows Of Indiana And All About Them

You will see so many types of birds fly around the sky of Indiana, and most of them would be Sparrows! Being close to the Tropic of Cancer has the benefit of attracting animals and aves of all kinds.

Indiana has the perfect climate for them and most of the species love calling it their home. Except for some who migrate seasonally to enjoy their favorite place.

If you want to watch Sparrows, you are sure to find them in Indiana any time of the year. They might be small and common-looking but if you read this article before heading to a Sparrow-watching adventure, you will surely be able to show off your knowledge!

So let’s head into the compilation of the Sparrows found in Indiana and learn how to detect each of them!

All 21 Types Of Sparrow Species That You Will Find In Indiana

The exact number of Sparrow species is not permanent as they can vary depending on the season and habitat. Some species are more common in some specific areas, or at a specific time of the year. But here is a list of Sparrow species you may find in Indiana.

House Sparrow

Source: @ateawithacamera

• Scientific Name: Passer domesticus
• Size: 14 to 18 cm (5.5 to 7.1 in)
• Locality: Europe, Asia, Southern Africa, Southern North America, Southern South America, Eastern Australia
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to August

House Sparrows are known for their lively chirping song. The sweet chirps you hear almost every day is probably a House Sparrow. But even though they sound sweet they can be very aggressive toward other birds.

Recognition

In terms of appearance, the male House Sparrow has a grayish-brown back with black streaks and a defined black bib on their throat. Their bellies are mostly pale gray or whitish. Females are slightly duller in color and have less distinctive markings.

Habitat

House sparrows love cavities for their nests. And this cavity can be anywhere from holes in buildings and nest boxes and crevices. They are known for their ability to adapt to urban areas and make a nest anywhere they find a crevice.

White-Throated Sparrow

Source: @audubonmidatl

• Scientific Name: Zonotrichia albicollis
• Size: 15 to 19 cm (5.9 to 7.5 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March to May

White-Throated Sparrows in Indiana are mostly seen during the winter. What truly sets them apart from other Sparrow species is their beautiful, whistle-like melody.

Recognition

As the name suggests, White-Throated Sparrows have a crisp white throat and a crown with bold stripes of black and white. Their back is brown with subtle streaks and the belly is grey and white. They also have a bright yellow spot above their eyes.

Habitat

These Sparrows love to stay on the ground and prefer shrubby places, such as woodland edges, thickets, and brushy fields. During the winter, a lot of them migrate from the northern parts of North America to the more southern regions.

Chipping Sparrow

Source: @sparrow_appreciation_society

• Scientific Name: Spizella passerina
• Size: 4.7 to 5.9 in (12 to 15 cm)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Mid to Late April to July

Chipping Sparrows are very social and are often seen in flocks. They chirp in quick, repetitive tunes that sound like their name. Their high-pitched chirps will add a cheerful melody to your ears.

Recognition

These Sparrows have a slender build with a grayish-brown back and wings. Their underbelly is pale and whitish. They have a rusty cap on their head that looks like a reddish-brown crown. Their face has a distinct dark eye line.

Habitat

They prefer open habitats like gardens, grasslands, and woodland edges to spend time foraging for seeds and insects. They build cup-shaped nests in shrubs, trees, and low branches.

White-Crowned Sparrow

Source: @branco_joe

• Scientific Name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
• Size: 15 to 16 cm (5.9 to 6.3 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May

You can spot small flocks of White-Crowned Sparrows during their migration along with other Sparrows. They have a unique song pattern that consists of several notes of whistling melodies.

Recognition

They have a grayish-brown body with dark streaks on their back and wings. They possess a defined white patch on their crown that contrasts against their dark eyes and bill.

Habitat

These Sparrows prefer habitats such as shrubby areas, thickets, and open woodlands. They forage mainly on the ground. They migrate to the southern parts of North America during winter and breed in the northern parts in summer.

Song Sparrow

Source: @nicks_nature_shots

• Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
• Size: 11 to 18 cm (4.3 to 7.1 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to August

As their name tells you, Song Sparrows are renowned for their rich and melodious songs. Each male is observed to have their unique song with a mix of different notes and trills.

Recognition

These Sparrows have brownish-gray plumage with dark streaks on their back, wings, and breast. They have rounded heads with a distinctive dark spot on their chest. Their beak is relatively long and sturdy.

Habitat

Song Sparrows are found in a variety of habitats including open fields, marshes, gardens, and woodlands. They are versatile foragers and are often seen hopping and scratching on the ground, and sometimes perching on low branches or shrubs.

American Tree Sparrow

Source: @shannonbirder

• Scientific Name: Spizelloides arborea
• Size: 14 cm (5.5 in)
• Locality: Northern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May to September

American Tree Sparrow is melodious just like any other Sparrow but their song is not notable and relatively simple with a buzzy finish. They are birds of the winter and are seen in the far northern regions.

Recognition

They have plump bodies with small bills compared to other types of Sparrows. Their rust-colored cap contrasts with a grayish-brown back. They have a defined dark central crown stripe. Their pale gray underparts have dark streaks.

Habitat

These Sparrows are found in open habitats during the colder months. They wallow around in tundra, fields, marshes, hedgerows, and bushy areas. Sometimes they are found in bird feeders looking for seeds and suet.

Dark-Eyed Junco

Source: @anjulirng

• Scientific Name: Junco hyemalis
• Size: 13 to 17.5 cm (5.1 to 6.9 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: March to May

Dark-eyed Juncos are highly social and like to gather in small flocks. These flocks can consist of individuals with different plumage colors. Their song includes a series of clear, distinct musical trills.

Recognition

Dark-eyed Junco shows variations in their appearance based on their geographic distribution. In general, they have a plump body with a relatively short tail. The head and the upper body are typically dark gray or brown, while the belly is lighter gray or white.

Habitat

They are found in a wide range of habitats including woodlands, forest edges, gardens, and suburban areas. Just like many other Sparrow species, they like to forage on the ground and make nests there.

Savannah Sparrow

Source: @heffordjn

• Scientific Name: Passerculus sandwichensis
• Size: 11 to 17 cm (4.3 to 6.7 in)
• Locality: North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late February

Even though Savannah Sparrow has a Least Concern status, some of their subspecies are considered threatened. Most of them are considered wintering birds.

Recognition

You can recognize these Sparrows by their slender build and a small, pointed bill. They have a streaked brown back and wings, with a pale yellow or buff-colored eyebrow stripe and a whitish belly. Their breasts often have a central dark spot or streak.

Habitat

Their name tells you all about where their habitat is. They are found in open grassy habitats such as meadows, prairies, and fields. They are often seen perched on grass stalks or low shrubs, scanning their surroundings for food.

Swamp Sparrow

Source: @isaacagrant

• Scientific Name: Melospiza georgiana
• Size: 12 to 15 cm (4.7 to 5.9 in)
• Locality: Central and Eastern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Spring and Summer

Swamp sparrows are known for their varied and complex songs. Male Swamp Sparrows produce a musical trill and a series of clear, metallic notes. They tend to sing from a hidden or elevated perch within their marshy territories.

Recognition

They have a plump body with a rusty brown back, wings, and crown. They have a grayish face with a dark brown or blackish eye line that extends from the bill to the back of the head. They have a light gray belly with dark streaks, and a short, stout bill.

Habitat

Swamp Sparrows are typically found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and damp meadows. They forage on the ground, often near water, where they search for insects, spiders, seeds, and small invertebrates among the vegetation and debris.

Lark Sparrow

Source: @manueljigas

• Scientific Name: Chondestes grammacus
• Size: 15 to 17 cm (5.9 to 6.7 in)
• Locality: Southern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Mid-April to July

In Indiana, they are typically observed during the breeding season when they migrate. They have a special technique when it comes to saving their nest. They try to distract the predator to save their chicks.

Recognition

Lark Sparrows have a unique and intricate head pattern. They possess a rusty-colored crown with a black eye line that extends from the bill and crosses the eyes to the neck forming a striking facial mask that looks like they are drawn for a comic book.

Habitat

These Sparrows are rarely seen in the East and Europe. They prefer open habitats such as grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields. They are migratory birds, spending their winters in southern regions and returning to breed in the spring.

Vesper Sparrow

Source: @anupam_dash

• Scientific Name: Pooecetes gramineus
• Size: 13 to 16 cm (5.1 to 6.3 in)
• Locality: Southern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to June

The Vesper Sparrow gets its name from its distinct evening song, which can be heard during the breeding season. Their evening songs contribute to the tranquil ambiance of dusk and dawn.

Recognition

Vesper Sparrows have a relatively plain appearance with subtle markings. They have a brown back with darker streaks, and their underparts are pale with faint streaking on the breast and sides. They have a white eye ring and a thin white stripe on each side of their face.

Habitat

These sparrows prefer areas with a mix of grasses and scattered low vegetation, as well as some bare ground. They are less common in densely vegetated areas or heavily forested regions. They are seen to have dust baths and sing from places of low elevations.

Grasshopper Sparrow

Source: @the_average_white_birder

• Scientific Name: Ammodramus savannarum
• Size: 10 to 14 cm (3.9 to 5.5 in)
• Locality: Parts of Southern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late May to Early June

Grasshopper Sparrows have a unique trait of hosting the eggs of other parasite species. However, most of the time their nestlings fall to the attacks of predators and result in a failure of nesting.

Recognition

They have a brownish back with darker streaks that would remind you of butterfly wings. Their underparts are pale with thin streaks on the breast and sides. They have a short tail and a rounded head that looks merged with their body. They also have a pale stripe above the eye.

Habitat

These sparrows primarily inhabit grassy habitats such as native prairies, meadows, and fields. They are often found in areas with dense grasses, particularly where they can hide well and predate an ample amount of grasshoppers.

Clay-Colored Sparrow

Source: @averynaturephotography

• Scientific Name: Spizella pallida
• Size: 13 to 15 cm (5.1 to 6 in)
• Locality: Central and Southern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Late April to Early May

Clay-colored Sparrows are often victims of parasitism by other birds. When that happens, they tend to abandon their nest entirely and start from scratch.

Recognition

Clay-colored Sparrows have a relatively plain appearance with a combination of warm brown and gray tones. They have a grayish-brown back and wings, a pale gray face, and a clay-colored stripe on a dark brown crown that gives them their name.

Habitat

They are commonly found in grasslands, including native prairies, meadows, and pastures. During migration and winter, they can be found in a wider range of habitats, including agricultural fields, weedy areas, and disturbed landscapes.

Eastern Towhee

Source: @birderofnill

• Scientific Name: Pipilo erythrophthalmus
• Size: 17.3 to 23 cm (6.8 to 9.1 in)
• Locality: Eastern United States
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to August

Eastern Towhees are a comparatively large breed of Sparrows that are part of the New World Sparrow family. They are known to have adapted in both lowlands and highlands.

Recognition

Eastern Towhees have a black head, upper body, and tail, contrasting with their rusty-colored sides and white underparts. They have white patches on their wings that are visible during flight. The males have a prominent white belly and a red eye.

Habitat

Unlike other species of Sparrows, woodland edges and forest clearings are common habitats for Eastern Towhees. They thrive in areas where there is a mix of trees and shrubs, providing them with suitable cover for nesting and foraging.

Lincoln’s Sparrow

Source: @sassimiz

• Scientific Name: Melospiza lincolnii
• Size: 13 to 15 cm (5.1 to 5.9 in)
• Locality: North America Except the Northernmost Parts
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: May to June

Lincoln’s Sparrow is named after Thomas Lincoln, the younger brother of the renowned ornithologist and artist John James Audubon. Thomas Lincoln collected the type specimen of this sparrow while on an expedition with Audubon in Labrador, Canada.

Recognition

These Sparrows have a distinctive appearance with a brownish back and wings, streaked with dark brown or black, and buff-colored underparts with fine streaking on the breast and sides. They have a grayish face and a buff-colored central crown stripe, which sets them apart from other sparrow species.

Habitat

Lincoln’s Sparrows are typically found in moist and dense vegetation near water sources. They favor areas such as wetlands, marshes, meadows, and brushy thickets near streams, ponds, or marshy habitats.

Fox Sparrow

Source: @maine2009

• Scientific Name: Passerella iliaca
• Size: 15 to 19 cm (5.9 to 7.5 in)
• Locality: Northern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Mid-May to July

Fox Sparrows in Indiana are observed during migration and the winter months, as well as during the breeding season in certain regions. It is part of the New World Sparrow family and is quite large in size.

Recognition

They have a large, rounded body with a sturdy bill. Their coloration can range from rusty brown to reddish-brown on the upper parts, with streaks or spots of dark brown. The underparts are typically pale with heavy streaking on the breast and sides.

Habitat

Their habitat preferences can vary depending on the subspecies, but they generally favor areas with dense understory and ample ground cover. They are typically found in forests and woodlands, particularly those with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees.

Leconte’s Sparrow

Source: @naturegirl99

• Scientific Name: Ammospiza leconteii
• Size: 12 cm (4.7 in)
• Locality: Central North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: June and July

Leconte’s Sparrow has a soft and buzzy song that can be heard during the breeding season. Their song consists of a series of short, high-pitched notes, often described as insect-like or mechanical.

Recognition

They have a unique and intricate plumage pattern on their tiny size. They have a buff-colored face and breasts with fine streaking, contrasting with brown upperparts streaked with black. They also have a distinctive whitish throat and a bluish-gray bill.

Habitat

These sparrows inhabit wetland areas, such as marshes, sedge meadows, wet prairies, and wet grasslands. They prefer areas with dense, tall grasses, sedges, and reeds, as these provide cover and nesting sites.

Henslow’s Sparrow

Source: @birderofnill

• Scientific Name: Centronyx henslowii
• Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
• Locality: Northeastern and Southeastern United States
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: Early Spring and Late Summer

Henslow’s Sparrows are ground-dwelling birds that spend much of their time hidden within the grasses. They are generally secretive and elusive, making it challenging to spot them.

Recognition

Henslow’s Sparrows have a modest and understated plumage. They have a greenish or olive-brown back with fine dark streaks. The underparts are pale and lightly streaked, with a whitish throat and buff-colored breast.

Habitat

These sparrows are closely tied to grasslands, including native prairies, meadows, and grassy fields. They prefer areas with tall grasses and a mixture of grassy vegetation, forbs, and scattered shrubs.

Field Sparrow

Source: @warbling_in_the_woods

• Scientific Name: Spizella pusilla
• Size: 13 to 15 cm (5.1 to 6 in)
• Locality: Southeastern North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: April to August

Field Sparrows are worried to have a slow decline but they often reproduce more than one time per season. So, they have a wide range and are considered to be of Least Concern status.

Recognition

They have a subtle but attractive plumage with a brownish upper body with streaks of dark brown or black on the back and wings. Their underparts are pale with a buff-colored breast and a distinct white or grayish eye ring. They also have a pink or reddish bill.

Habitat

These sparrows typically inhabit open grassy areas, including fields, meadows, pastures, and prairies. They can also be found in open woodlands with a grassy understory. They prefer areas with a mix of grasses, scattered shrubs, and low vegetation.

Nelson’s Sparrow

Source: @js_guenette

• Scientific Name: Ammospiza nelsoni
• Size: 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 in)
• Locality: Northcentral United States, and Parts of the Atlantic Coast of North America
• Status: Least Concern
• Breeding Season: June and July

Nelson’s Sparrows are known for their secretive behavior, specialized habitat preferences, and unique song. They are small, New World Sparrows that are seen to have multiple paternity in a single nest.

Recognition

They have a distinct appearance with a rusty brown back and wings, streaked with darker brown. Their underparts are pale gray, fading to whitish on the belly, with light streaking on the breast and sides. They have an orange face, gray cheeks, and a sharp, pointy tail.

Habitat

These sparrows primarily inhabit wetland areas, such as marshes, coastal marshes, and wet grasslands. They have a particular affinity for dense, tall vegetation, including cattails, sedges, and other emergent marsh plants.

Harris’s Sparrow

Source: @momworks

• Scientific Name: Zonotrichia querula
• Size: 17 to 20 cm (6.7 to 7.9 in)
• Locality: Northcentral and Central North America
• Status: Near Threatened
• Breeding Season: February to May

While Harris’s Sparrows are not considered common residents of Indiana, they can be spotted as occasional visitors during the spring and fall migration periods. They are known for their clear, sweet, and somewhat mournful song.

Recognition

They have a distinct black face and throat, contrasting with a bright pink bill. The upperparts are mostly brown with black streaks, while the underparts are grayish-white. It has a black crown that extends down the sides of the head, forming a “hooded” appearance.

Habitat

Their habitat consists of dense thickets and open stands of spruce or willow. They may be found in hedgerows, brushy areas, and weedy fields, as well as along the edges of marshes and wetlands.

FAQ

You might have some questions after reading about so many Sparrow species in Indiana. Let’s see if these are the curiosities you had in mind!

Q: Which Sparrow is the most common in Indiana?

Ans: The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is generally considered the most common sparrow species in Indiana. Other common sparrows in Indiana include the Song Sparrow, Field Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and Chipping Sparrow.

Q: What is the rarest Sparrow to find in Indiana?

Ans: Henslow’s Sparrow (Centronyx henslowii) is the rarest one to find in Indiana. It is a small, secretive bird that requires specific habitat conditions. Also, the population of Henslow’s Sparrow has been declining due to habitat loss and degradation, making it a rare and sought-after species for birdwatchers and conservationists in Indiana.

Thoughts

Sparrows are melodious birds with the ability to lighten up your spirit. Their songs will feel like a warm autumn afternoon and give your mind a sense of peace.

They are known for their resilience and adaptability, thriving in a range of environments from suburban neighborhoods to open fields.

You might not have to go all Sparrow-hunting to spot them. Their ability to coexist with humans makes them familiar and might even make them your backyard neighbor.

However, because of their familiarity, they have very poor protection and are neglected. This may cause habitat loss for these melodious birds and some species might begin to decrease in number.

So, whether it is from their natural predators or other humans, I believe you are now able to detect and protect them when you find one!

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Audio Credits: xeno-canto