Appearance: The field sparrow is a small bird about 5 1/4″ long with muted coloring throughout. Gray face with a bright white eye-ring, a rusty patch behind the eye, and a rusty crown. Underparts are gray with tan on the breast and sides. The short but stout bill is pink. The Female is similar but does not have a patch behind the eye, the crown is more muted, and the belly has light brown streaks.
Winter diet: Small seeds.
Winter feeder food: Hulled sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn when scattered under the feeder.
Winter habitat: Most field sparrows spend winter in their year-round range which is Illinois and states south and east of Illinois, plus Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Yet, some may head a bit west and south in the same states mentioned. They prefer brushy woodlands with clearings and fields of tall grasses.
Range Map
