General

Cassin's Sparrow: Medium-sized, skulking grassland sparrow with fine brown streaks on gray-brown head and back, and buff underparts. Tail is long, rounded, and white-tipped. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has streaked underparts.

Range and Habitat

Cassin's Sparrow: Breeds from southern Arizona and southwestern Kansas south to southern New Mexico and western and southern Texas; also in Mexico. Spends winters in southern part of breeding range. Preferred habitats include semi-desert or arid uplands supporting yuccas and tall grass.

Breeding and Nesting

Cassin's Sparrow: Three to five white eggs are laid in a deep, almost tunnel-like cup built on the ground or at the base of a bush or cactus. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by both parents.

Foraging and Feeding

Cassin's Sparrow: Diet consists of beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and seeds; forages on the ground.

Readily Eats

Safflower, Apple Slices, Suet, Millet, Peanut Kernels, Fruit

Vocalization

Cassin's Sparrow: Four loud, melodious, clear whistles are uttered from tops of tall grass stalks and in flight; second note is prolonged and quivering while third note is lowest.

Similar Species

Cassin's Sparrow: Botteri's Sparrow has a different song, a somewhat larger bill, and a flatter head. Bachman's Sparrow has a different range and song.