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.