About Chondestes grammacus (Say, 1822)
This species, commonly called the lark sparrow, has the scientific name Chondestes grammacus (Say, 1822). Adult lark sparrows have a distinct appearance. Like most sparrows, they have a dark-streaked brown back, and white underparts that feature a dark central spot. Their cheeks and the sides of their crown are chestnut-colored, with white stripes on the eyebrow and crown. The corners of their dark tail are also white. Young lark sparrows are duller in color, and their underparts are streaked. Standard measurements for this species are as follows: length ranges from 5.9–6.7 inches (15–17 cm), weight ranges from 0.8–1.2 ounces (24–33 g), and the average wingspan is 11.0 inches (28 cm). For distribution and habitat: lark sparrows breed in southern Canada, most of the United States, and northern Mexico. They are much less common in eastern North America, where their breeding range is currently contracting. Populations in Mexico and adjacent U.S. states are non-migratory year-round residents, while other populations are migratory and spend the winter in the southern United States, Mexico, and as far south as Guatemala. The species is a very rare vagrant to western Europe, with two accepted confirmed records from Great Britain in 1981 and 1991.
