The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is about 6 inches long with a brown coloration streaked with black and white underparts also streaked with black.

Its song is three short notes followed by a pretty trill.

The Song Sparrow is widespread throughout North America. There are 34 subspecies ranging somewhat in size and color.

The nest is a cup of grass made in a shrub and sometimes placed on the ground. The clutch consists of from 3 to 6 light greenish white eggs blotched with brown. There can be up to 3 clutches laid in a season. The incubation period is from 13 to 15 days. They fledge about 14 to 21 days after hatching. Studies show that 50 percent of the fledglings do not survive to adulthood.

Their principle diet is seeds, for which their conical bill is well suited. They also eat berries and insects.

Song sparrow predators generally include cats, hawks, and owls, and the occasional dog.

Their lifespan is typically 3 to 5 years.

Photo of Song Sparrow by Rick Bohn/USFWS