New World sparrows (Passerellidae)
Black-throated Sparrow
Amphispiza bilineata. Seeds and insects of the desert scrub.
New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Black-throated SparrowAmphispiza bilineata
- Scientific name
- Amphispiza bilineata
- Length
- 4.7–5.5 in
- Weight
- 0.4–0.5 oz
- Nest
- Cup low in a cactus or thorn shrub
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–4 eggs
- Incubation
- 12–13 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Bold black throat patch on a white face
- White eyebrow and moustache stripes
- Grey above, pale below
Voice
Sweet, tinkling song with a metallic finish.
Diet and feeding
Seeds and insects of the desert scrub.
What do black-throated sparrows eat? · Best feeder for black-throated sparrows
Black-throated Sparrows by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Year-round resident | February–July |
| California | Year-round resident | February–July |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Montana | Year-round resident | April–July |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | March–July |
| New Mexico | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Texas | Year-round resident | February–July |
| Utah | Year-round resident | March–July |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | April–July |
Frequently asked
What do black-throated sparrows eat?
Seeds and insects of the desert scrub. At feeders: millet, cracked corn (on the ground).
How big is a Black-throated Sparrow?
4.7–5.5 in long and 0.4–0.5 oz.
Do black-throated sparrows use birdhouses?
No. Cup low in a cactus or thorn shrub.
Sources
- Black-throated Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-throated Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-throated Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.