5.0 inches long. The LeConte’s Sparrow is a small sparrow with a small bluish bill and a short bristly tail. The back has straw colored streaks. The wings are brown. The breast and sides are buffy with fine streaks on the flanks. First year birds may have some streaking on the breast. The belly and undertail are white. The head is flat with a bright yellow face and gray cheek. There is a black line behind the eye that becomes T-shaped. The crown is black with a narrow whitish stripe. The nape is gray with purple streaks.
The LeConte’s Sparrow is an uncommon migrant through the area. It may be seen from mid April through mid May and again in September and October. One good place to search for these birds is the tall grass along the trail near the observation blind on the Great Marsh.
LeConte’s Sparrow is a secretive bird that often scurries like a mouse rather than flying. It is found in wet grasslands and marshes in the interior during breeding season. The song is a short insect-like “tzeek, tzzzzz, tick”.
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