Chipping Sparrow
(Spizella passerina)
The chipping sparrow is found in open forests or forest edges, especially conifer forests. Although often solitary, during migration they also occur in in flocks, particularly in sagebrush ecosystems.
In the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, they may be found during summer at higher elevations, such at the Red Mountain Wilderness. During winter, most birds migrate to Southern Arizona, Southern California, or Mexico.
Nests are hair-lined cups located in trees or shrubs. These sparrows will sometimes raise two broods. The incubation period lasts 11-14 days followed by an 8-12 day fledging period. Chipping sparrows forage for seeds, insects, and fruit on the ground.
The population trend of the chipping sparrow is unknown. Their breeding season occurs from March through August.
