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Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis
Black-chinned Sparrow

These small, grayish-brown sparrows with black chins and throats are often found in arid and semi-arid habitats.

Sam Crowe
Updated: March 22, 2023
Birds IDENTIFICATION

The Black-chinned Sparrow inhabits arid, brushy, mountain slopes of the southwestern U.S. It is most common around the outer Los Angeles area. California’s Black-chinned Sparrows are migratory, though winter movements of Black-chinned Sparrows downslope into desert grasslands are typical of populations in Arizona and New Mexico.

Sagebrush is a typical plant in which Black-chinned Sparrows build their nest. After nesting, when the young have fledged, the young often gather together into small flocks.

 

Description of the Black-chinned Sparrow

BREEDING MALE

The Black-chinned Sparrow has a plain gray head and underparts, a brown, streaked back, and a pink bill. Males have a small black face and throat patch.  Length: 6 in.  Wingspan: 8 in.

Black-chinned Sparrow

Female

Females have a gray face and throat.

Seasonal change in appearance

Males lose the black face and throat in the fall.

Juvenile

Juveniles have streaked underparts.

Habitat

Black-chinned Sparrows inhabit arid slopes and sagebrush.

Diet

Black-chinned Sparrows eat insects and seeds.

Black-chinned Sparrow

Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Behavior

Black-chinned Sparrows forage on the ground, generally rather slowly.

Range

Black-chinned Sparrows breed throughout parts of the western and southwestern U.S. They winter in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The population appears to be stable.

Fun Facts

Black-chinned Sparrows gather in small flocks in the fall and winter.

There are two U.S. subspecies of Black-chinned Sparrows, with central California birds being slightly darker.

Vocalizations

The song consists of a series of slurred notes. A soft “siss’ call is also given.

 

Similar Species

Black-throated Sparrow
The Black-throated Sparrow has a strong light and dark facial pattern, more extensive black on throat.

 

Nesting

The Black-chinned Sparrow’s nest is a cup of weeds, grass, and fibers and is lined with finer materials. It is placed low in a sagebrush or shrub.

Number: Usually lay 2-4 eggs.

color: Pale bluish in color, sometimes with darker markings.

Incubation and fledging:
The young hatch at about 13 days, though the age at which they fledge is not well known.

 

Bent Life History of the Black-chinned Sparrow

Bent Life History information will be added soon.

About the Author

Sam Crowe
Sam is the founder of Birdzilla.com. He has been birding for over 30 years and has a world list of over 2000 species. He has served as treasurer of the Texas Ornithological Society, Sanctuary Chair of Dallas Audubon, Editor of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" web site and as a contributing editor for Birding Business magazine. Many of his photographs and videos can be found on the site.

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