Spizella passerina                                              Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

Flocks of these tame little sparrows congregate around bird feeders in Florida during the winter. They forage on the ground and in trees and bushes, picking up seeds and insects. Chipping sparrows are named for their chip-chip-chip-chip song, which they often deliver from a high perch.

Chipping sparrows can be recognized by their bright reddish-brown crown, white eyebrow and a black line which runs from the bill through the eye to the ear. Their cheeks, the nape of the neck and rump are grey, and the wings are streaky brown. The tail is slightly notched.

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