Field Sparrow

Here on the edge of a field there is (SURPRISE!) a Field Sparrow. (I've talked about these birds before.)

This picture was taken in the middle of summer when most Field Sparrows (and other birds) are starting/raising families. These sparrows normally build nests on or within 10 feet of the ground. Although males may help furnish building materials, the females do all the nest design/carpentry. 

As their name suggests, these birds are all about the fields, and generally avoid areas with substantial human activity. This means that they're not too crazy about places like New Jersey where much of the land is suburban or urban. My understanding is that they're doing better on the plains in the middle of the country.

Though they may not be crazy about humans, they're not entirely antisocial. This time of the year they will join flocks of other sparrows; apparently Song Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows (both probably more numerous around here) are among their favorite companions.

July 30, 2021 at Negri Nepote Native Grassland Preserve
Photo 149012386, (c) jpviolette, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)


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