New World sparrows (Passerellidae)
Harris's Sparrow
Zonotrichia querula. Seeds and insects taken on the ground.
New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Harris's SparrowZonotrichia querula
- Scientific name
- Zonotrichia querula
- Length
- 6.7–7.9 in
- Weight
- 0.9–1.7 oz
- Nest
- Cup on the ground in stunted spruce tundra
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 3–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 12–15 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Large sparrow with a black face, crown and bib
- Pink bill and grey cheeks
- Winter birds have a brown-mottled crown
Voice
Two or three clear, wavering whistles on one pitch.
Diet and feeding
Seeds and insects taken on the ground.
What do Harris's sparrows eat? · Best feeder for Harris's sparrows
Harris's Sparrows by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Winter visitor | — |
| Iowa | Winter visitor | — |
| Kansas | Winter visitor | — |
| Manitoba | Summer breeder | July |
| Missouri | Winter visitor | — |
| Nebraska | Winter visitor | — |
| North Dakota | Winter visitor | — |
| Northwest Territories | Summer breeder | July |
| Nunavut | Summer breeder | July |
| Oklahoma | Winter visitor | — |
| South Dakota | Winter visitor | — |
| Texas | Winter visitor | — |
Frequently asked
What do Harris's sparrows eat?
Seeds and insects taken on the ground. At feeders: millet, black-oil sunflower, cracked corn.
How big is a Harris's Sparrow?
6.7–7.9 in long and 0.9–1.7 oz.
Do Harris's sparrows use birdhouses?
No. Cup on the ground in stunted spruce tundra.
Sources
- Harris's Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Harris's Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Harris's 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.