Chondestes grammacus grammacus

(Say, 1822)

Vernacular names
English : Lark sparrow
French : Bruant à joues marron

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Passerellidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known

Identification
Adults can reach 18 cm in length for a weight of 33 g. Large sparrow with long tail. Plumage grey rufous with white areas on breast and belly and darker wings. Head with black stripes and broad chestnut-brown bands. Darker subspecies with darker chestnut-brown head markings and blackish streaks on back.

Range and habitat
This species breeds in most of central and central-western USA to Mexico. Subspecies found from Wisconsin to Texas and as non-breeding visitor in Mexico. It winters in western and south Mexico. Lives in open areas, short grass and scattered trees, agricultural lands, to 2500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is fairly common to very common in parts of its range. In extreme south Canada and north America, it’s declining due to habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Oklahoma City Zoo (USA), Wild in Glen Rose, TX (USA)

 

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