Black-throated Sparrow Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A medium-sized sparrow with a large, round head, conical seed-eating bill, and a medium length tail.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, smaller than a Horned Lark.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
    • Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (11-15 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.7 in (19.5 cm)

  © Luke Seitz / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Most striking feature is the face pattern: neat gray bordered by 2 strong white stripes and a black triangular throat patch. Upperparts are grayish brown and the underparts are a paler mix of cream and white. The tail is dark with white spots on the corners. Juveniles look like adults but lack the black throat patch and have faint streaks above and below.

• Behavior

  Hops on the ground, pecking for seeds and insects, and makes short low flights between shrubs. Often perches in trees and shrubs giving quiet calls.
• Habitat

  Dry scrubby areas, desert scrub, canyons, and washes.