General

Baird's Sparrow: Small sparrow with pale-streaked, rich dark brown upperparts, white underparts, and dark streaks on upper breast and flanks. Orange-brown crown is marked with fine dark lines. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has scaled appearance.

Range and Habitat

Baird's Sparrow: Breeds from Alberta and southwestern Manitoba south to Montana and South Dakota. Spends winters in Texas, Arizona, and northern Mexico. Breeds in native prairies of tall grasses and scattered weeds and brush. Will occasionally nest in wheat fields. Found in agricultural fields, grasslands, and prairies during migration.

Breeding and Nesting

Baird's Sparrow: Three to six white to gray eggs, marked with lavender and red brown, are laid in a cup of weed stems and grass, and concealed in grass or weeds on the ground. Incubation ranges from 11 to 12 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Baird's Sparrow: Diet consists of seeds, insects, and spiders; forages on the ground.

Vocalization

Baird's Sparrow: Song consists of three short notes followed by a musical trill on a lower pitch.

Similar Species

Baird's Sparrow: Vesper and Song sparrows have rounder heads, longer tails, and lack yellow on face. Savannah Sparrow has smaller head and bill, more extensive streaks below and yellow on face confined to behind eyes.