MARCH 2015 • NEBRASKAland 15
Harris's Sparrow
Song or calls: Song is series of quavering whistles: two
notes on one pitch followed by two more on another pitch.
Description: Sexes similar. Breeding adult has black
crown, face and bib; pink bill; and grayish cheeks.
Upperparts are buffy brown with black streaking; white
belly with dark streaking on sides. Winter adult has
blackish crown; buffy cheeks; throat may be all black,
show white flecks, or have a white band; and flanks are
buffy. Immature is similar to winter adult but has less
black.
Habitat: Migrants and wintering birds prefer areas
with shrubs, low trees and tall weedy plants. Found in
rural, residential and urban areas, often near streamside
woodland edges.
Where in Nebraska: Abundant spring and fall migrant
in eastern Nebraska, and common farther west. Regular
winter visitor in southern parts of the state. Joins mixed
flocks of other sparrows during the winter.
Fun Facts: The largest sparrow in the United States.
Found in Nebraska during winter and migration, it is the
only bird that breeds in Canada and nowhere else in the
world. ■
To learn about more birds visit
NebraskaBirdLibrary.org.
Nebraska Bird Library
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