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Songbirds
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
The song sparrow is a medium-sized New World sparrow. Among the native sparrows in North America, it is easily one of the most abundant, variable, and adaptable species.
Streaky brown sparrow, often with a dark central spot on the breast.
- Scientific name
- Melospiza melodia
- Group
- Songbirds
- Main color
- Brown
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
The body length ranges from 11 to 18 cm (4.3 to 7.1 in) and wingspan can range from 18 to 25.4 cm (7.1 to 10.0 in).
Diet
These birds forage on the ground, in shrubs or in very shallow water.
Range and habitat
Though a habitat generalist, the song sparrow favors brushland and marshes, including salt marshes across most of Canada and the United States.
Lifespan
The maximum lifespan in the wild is 11.3 years.
Voice
The sparrow species derives its name from its colorful repertoire of songs.
More photos
Song Sparrow FAQ
How big is the Song Sparrow?
The body length ranges from 11 to 18 cm (4.3 to 7.1 in) and wingspan can range from 18 to 25.4 cm (7.1 to 10.0 in).
What does the Song Sparrow eat?
These birds forage on the ground, in shrubs or in very shallow water.
How long does the Song Sparrow live?
The maximum lifespan in the wild is 11.3 years.
How do I identify a Song Sparrow?
Streaky brown sparrow, often with a dark central spot on the breast.
Where does the Song Sparrow live?
Though a habitat generalist, the song sparrow favors brushland and marshes, including salt marshes across most of Canada and the United States.
Is the Song Sparrow endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Song Sparrow as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Song Sparrow (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.