The Savannah Sparrow is the classic little brown sparrow of open country, so numerous in grasslands, hayfields, and pastures that it is one of the most abundant songbirds on the continent. Crisply streaked in brown and white, it is best identified by a small yellow spot in front of the eye (the "lores"), a short notched tail, and pink legs. It perches on weed stems, fence wires, and clods of dirt, and drops into the grass to feed, often running mouse-like along the ground.
Its song is a thin, buzzy, insect-like phrase — a couple of sharp notes followed by two long buzzes, "tsit-tsit-tsit-tseeee-tsaaay" — that carries across a summer field. Despite the tropical-sounding name, the "Savannah" comes from Savannah, Georgia, where the species was first described. Savannah Sparrows breed in open grassy habitats throughout Michigan and pass through in large numbers on migration, foraging on seeds and insects.
Eats seeds of grasses and weeds for much of the year, gathered on or near the ground, and shifts to insects and other small invertebrates during the breeding season to feed young. It forages by walking and running through grass rather than scratching, staying close to cover.
No. It is named for Savannah, Georgia, where the species was first described. It does live in open grassy country, but the name is a place, not a habitat term.
A small yellow spot in front of the eye, along with crisp brown streaking, a short notched tail, and pink legs. The yellow lores are the quickest way to separate it from other streaky field sparrows.
In grasslands, hayfields, pastures, weedy fields, and shoreline dunes across the state. Males sing from low perches like weed stems and fence wires throughout the breeding season.
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