General

Harris's Sparrow: Large sparrow with dark-streaked, brown upperparts and white underparts with dark-streaked sides. Head has stark black crown, face, and throat. Gray cheek patch is marked by a thin, black line. Bill is pink. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has buff-brown face and dark streaks on upper breast and sides.

Range and Habitat

Harris's Sparrow: Breeds in the mixed forest-tundra zones of north-central Canada, from the extreme northwestern reaches of the Northwest Territories to the northern tip of Ontario, and along the western shores of Hudson Bay. Spends winters in the Great Plains states, from South Dakota to central Texas.

Breeding and Nesting

Harris's Sparrow: Three to five white to pale green eggs with brown markings are laid in a nest made from plant fibers and leaves, lined with grass, and built on the ground or at the base of a bush. Incubation ranges from 12 to 15 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Harris's Sparrow: Diet consists of seeds, berries, insects, spiders, and a few snails; forages primarily on the ground.

Vocalization

Harris's Sparrow: Gives a series of clear, high notes followed by another series at a different pitch. Call is a loud, metallic "spink" or drawn-out "tseep."

Similar Species

Harris's Sparrow: White-crowned Sparrow has a black-and-white striped crown, mostly gray underparts, two white wing-bars, and a brown rump.