General

LeConte's Sparrow: Small sparrow with brown-streaked back, brown-streaked gray nape, pale gray underparts with streaks on sides, and pale yellow breast. Head is flat with brown stripes. Face is pale yellow-orange with gray cheeks. Sexes are similar. Juvenile is duller, lacks nape patch, and has pale brown median cap stripe. Name changed in 2017 from Le Conte's Sparrow to LeConte's Sparrow.

Range and Habitat

LeConte's Sparrow: Breeds from the southern Northwest Territories and central Quebec south to northern Montana, Minnesota, and the upper peninsula of Michigan. Spends winters in the southeastern states from Texas to North Carolina. Prefers moist grasslands and boggy meadows; stays on dry fields in winter.

Breeding and Nesting

LeConte'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

LeConte's Sparrow: Feeds primarily on insects, seeds, and spiders. Walks and runs on the ground while foraging.

Vocalization

LeConte's Sparrow: Weak, insect-like song, a series of "buzz" sounds. Call note is a thin "tsip."

Similar Species

LeConte's Sparrow: Saltmarsh and Nelson's Sparrows have solid gray napes.