Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

Unlike most sparrows that hop to get around, the Lark Sparrow walks on the ground with a distinct, quail-like gait.

Scientific name: Chondestes grammacus
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Passerellidae › Chondestes
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: decreasing
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Open landscapes including prairies, grasslands, and savanna-like edges with scattered trees or shrubs.
Diet: Omnivorous; primarily eats seeds and grains, but switches to insects like grasshoppers and beetles during the breeding season.
Range: North America, Mexico, Southern Canada
Size: Length: 15-17 cm; Wingspan: 28 cm
Lifespan: 6-9 years
Active: diurnal
Threats: Habitat loss due to intensive agriculture, overgrazing, and urban development.
Safe to approach?: Harmless. These birds are shy and easily startled; enjoy their complex song from a distance using binoculars. If you encounter a ground nest, maintain a wide berth to avoid attracting predators or causing the parents to abandon the eggs.

The lark sparrow ( Chondestes grammacus ) is a fairly large American sparrow. It is the only member of the genus Chondestes .

Photo: Cody Stricker, CC-BY, via iNaturalist