General
Le Conte's Sparrow: Small sparrow with brown-streaked back, brown-streaked gray nape, pale gray underparts with streaks on sides, and yellow breast. Head is flat and black-capped with a white median line. Face is yellow-orange with gray cheeks and black eye-line forming a T behind eye. Sexes are similar. Juvenile is duller, lacks nape patch, and has pale brown median cap stripe.
Range and Habitat
Le Conte's Sparrow: Breeds from Mackenzie and central Quebec south to northern Montana, Minnesota, and northern Michigan. Spends winters in southeastern states. Prefers moist grasslands and boggy meadows; stays on dry fields in winter.
Breeding and Nesting
Le Conte's Sparrow: Three to five brown spotted, pale gray eggs, are laid in a nest made of grass, rushes, and stems, and lined with fine plant materials. Incubation ranges from 12 to 13 days and is carried out by the female.
Foraging and Feeding
Le Conte's Sparrow: Feeds primarily on insects, seeds, and spiders. Walks and runs on the ground while foraging.
Readily Eats
Safflower, Apple Slices, Suet, Millet, Peanut Kernels, Fruit
Vocalization
Le Conte's Sparrow: Weak, insect-like song, a series of "buzz" sounds. Call note is a thin "tsip."
Similar Species
Le Conte's Sparrow: Sharp-tailed Sparrow lacks crown stripe and brown streaks on gray nape.