Chipping Sparrow

Photo Credit: Keith Kohl, ODFW

Overview

  • Species Common Name Chipping Sparrow
  • Species Scientific Name Spizella passerina
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Chipping Sparrows are typically found in open forests and drier woodland edges. They prefer areas with sparse, herbaceous understories for foraging.

Limiting factors

Loss and degradation of habitat are key limiting factors. Loss of oak woodlands, in particular, due to development, fire suppression, and invasive plant encroachment is of particular concern. Known nest predators include snakes, American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and domestic cat (Felis catus).

Conservation actions

Maintain areas of open, herbaceous native plant understory in oak woodlands. Control key invasive plants.

Key reference or plan

The Willamette Valley Landowner's Guide to Creating Habitat for Grassland Birds