The Vesper Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow known for its distinctive white outer tail feathers, visible in flight, and a chestnut patch on its shoulder. Its name comes from its habit of singing in the evening.
Where to spot
Breeds across southern Canada and much of the United States. Winters in the southern United States and Mexico. Prefers open grassy areas, prairies, agricultural fields, and dry pastures with scattered shrubs or trees.
How to spot
Look for the white outer tail feathers, especially when it flies. Identify by its streaked brown plumage, chestnut patch on the bend of the wing, and a prominent white eye-ring. Listen for its distinctive, ringing song, often a series of paired, slurred whistles.
When to spot
Breeds in spring and summer (April-August). Migrates south in autumn (Sept-Nov) and north in spring (Mar-May). Most vocal at dawn and dusk, but active throughout the day.
Where to spot
Breeds across southern Canada and much of the United States. Winters in the southern United States and Mexico. Prefers open grassy areas, prairies, agricultural fields, and dry pastures with scattered shrubs or trees.
How to spot
Look for the white outer tail feathers, especially when it flies. Identify by its streaked brown plumage, chestnut patch on the bend of the wing, and a prominent white eye-ring. Listen for its distinctive, ringing song, often a series of paired, slurred whistles.
When to spot
Breeds in spring and summer (April-August). Migrates south in autumn (Sept-Nov) and north in spring (Mar-May). Most vocal at dawn and dusk, but active throughout the day.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Vesper Sparrow often sings its beautiful, clear song around twilight, hence its name 'Vesper' (evening prayer).
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.