Chondestes grammacus
lark sparrow
(Also: lark-sparrow)

At different times of the year, the Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus is found in a large portion of the contiguous United States, with the exception of the east coast and a relatively small area in the northwest. The Lark Sparrow is also found in the central-southern region of Canada, and in a large portion of Mexico. During their breeding season, they shift farther to the north, and during the winter they migrate to milder climates farther to the south. (Byers et. al. 1995; Rising 1996)

Lark Sparrows commonly breed in prairies, savannah, mesas, farmlands, open woodland, and other open areas with scattered trees and patches of bare ground. In winter and during migration they are found in similar areas, but can also be found in brushy fields and semi-arid areas. (Byers et. al. 1995; Rising 1996)

An adult Lark Sparrow can measure 14 to 16 cm (5.5 to 6.3 in.) in length. Its tail is long, rounded and edged with white. The adult has a distinctive light and dark pattern on its head which typically consists of a white or beige stripe on its crown, along with chestnut coloration that starts near the top of its bill. It also has chestnut coloration on its back. There is no significant difference in coloration between the male and female Lark Sparrow. The juvenile Lark Sparrow has duller coloration than the adult Lark Sparrow and has a streaked breast. The adult bird may have a tail that appears to be more brown during the spring season, due to wear and fading. Lark Sparrows which breed in the western part of its geographic range tend to have lighter coloration than those found in other parts of the geographic range. (Gough et. al. 1998; Rising 1996)

The nesting season for the Lark Sparrow goes from mid-April through the month of July. The incubation period for the egg of a Lark Sparrow is 11-12 days. The eggs are usually white, bluish white or brownish white with dark, brownish, black or purplish speckles. The female can lay between 3-6 eggs at a time, but typically yields 4 or 5 eggs. The male does not participate in building the nest or incubating the eggs. The nest is typically built on the ground in a hollow cup-shaped depression lined with grass and stems. Both male and female typically feed their young, which normally leave the nest after 6-10 days. (Byers et. al. 1995; Ehrlich et. al. 1988; Rising 1996)

While on the ground, the Lark Sparrow either walks or hops. It is easily disturbed, and usually flies to a fence or low branch when alarmed. The male sings persistently from an exposed perch, usually at the edge of a wooded area. During courtship, the male struts back and forth in front of the female, while pointing his beak up in the air, spreading his tail and fluttering his wings. During mating, a twig is often passed to the female from the male. When migrating, they usually occur in flocks either consisting of solely Lark Sparrows or often consisting of multiple species of sparrows. (Byers et. al. 1995; Rising 1996)

The Lark Sparrow feeds mostly on seeds and insects. Grasshoppers are a major part of its insect diet. It forages for food in open areas on the ground. (Byers et. al. 1995; Rising 1996)

The Lark Sparrow feeds on grasshoppers, species of which have been known to cause significant damage to crops; therefore, the Lark Sparrow may provide some degree of pest control.

Unknown.

Lark sparrows are not endangered or threatened, although they are vulnerable to forested areas being cleared to make room for farmland. They have been extirpated from the state of Michigan. (Byers et. al. 1995; Rising 1996)