Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
Content and photos by James Giroux
Most sparrows head north from Central Texas before early spring, but there are a few species that breed here in the Austin area: Chipping, Lark, Field, Rufous-crowned and our bird of the week, Grasshopper Sparrow. Sparrows aren’t generally known for their beauty, but almost all of them are remarkably beautiful when observed up close. The back of the Grasshopper Sparrow is particularly stunning with a mosaic of browns, blacks and golds.
The Grasshopper sparrow gets its name from the buzzy insect-like trill sound it makes. Calling it a “song” is a stretch from a human perspective, but from a bird perspective that is technically their song. But, unlike most sparrows, they have a second, more musical song that males sing in flight. In addition to sounding like a grasshopper, the bulk of their diet is grasshoppers. Adults tear off the legs of grasshoppers before feeding them to their chicks. It was a long time ago, but I insisted that my mom peel an apple, and cut the crust off the bread before feeding those foods to me. I guess children of all sorts are picky eaters.
Grasshopper Sparrows are widespread throughout the United States, but can sometimes be hard to find in their preferred habitat of grasslands. They will often run on the ground – out of sight – rather than fly away from an approaching person. They nest on the ground, usually placing their domed nest at the base of clump grass. So, watch where you step if you are walking through Grasshopper Sparrow territory during the spring.
One of the best places to find Grasshopper Sparrow in the Austin area is Commons Ford Park. Listen for their buzzy insect-like sound. If you hear one, but don’t see it, try “pishing” to bring it up into view. Look for a white eye-ring, a white central crown stripe, a clean breast and yellow lore.
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