Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
The Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a small, adaptable bird known for its distinctive red cap and preference for open woodlands, gardens, and parks. This migratory species is commonly found across North America, spending its winters in the southern United States and Mexico.
| 🇫🇷 | Bruant familier |
| 🇩🇪 | Schwirrammer |
| 🇲🇽 | Chimbito común |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
How to Identify
During the breeding season, the Chipping Sparrow is easily recognized by its vibrant red cap and a sharply defined black line running through its eyes. In contrast, outside the breeding season, the cap turns brown, and the black line becomes less pronounced.
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Characteristics
| Length | 12–15cm |
| Weight | 11-17g |
| Wingspan | 21cm |
| Clutch Size | 2-7 eggs |
| Incubation | 10-15 days |
| Fledging | 8-12 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Resources
Where and When to Spot
The Chipping Sparrow is less frequently observed on Montreal Island. However, I have spotted them on occasion in Park Angrignon.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belvédère Outremont | x | - | - | - |
| Champ des Possibles | x | - | - | - |
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Angrignon | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Mont Saint-Bruno | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
| Parc de la Cité | - | x | - | - |
| Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park | - | x | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.