The Florida grasshopper sparrow is a small, secretive bird that is endemic to the dry prairie regions of central Florida. Once common, it has declined dramatically in recent decades due to habitat loss and is now one of the most endangered birds in North America. Identifying the Florida grasshopper sparrow and distinguishing it from similar species can be challenging, but is important for conservation efforts. Here is a guide to help identify these rare birds.
What does the Florida grasshopper sparrow look like?
The Florida grasshopper sparrow is a small, slender sparrow with a length of 11-12.5 cm and a wingspan of 18-23 cm. Some key identification features include:
- Grayish-olive upperparts with dark streaking
- Pale gray underparts with fine dark streaking on flanks and breast
- Plain face with no strong head markings
- Short, conical bill
- Short, rounded tail with narrow white tips on outer tail feathers
- Short, flesh-colored legs
Adults have a gray nape that contrasts with the browner back. Juveniles are more uniformly grayish-brown above with blurry streaking.
How does it compare to similar species?
The Florida grasshopper sparrow can potentially be confused with several other grassland sparrow species that occur in its range, including:
Grasshopper Sparrow
The grasshopper sparrow is the Florida subspecies’ closest relative. Differences include:
- Grasshopper sparrow has a distinct yellow loral spot in front of eye
- Grasshopper sparrow has more heavily streaked underparts
- Grasshopper sparrow has a longer tail with broader white tips to outer tail feathers
- Grasshopper sparrow has a buzzy, grasshopper-like song
Bachman’s Sparrow
Differences from the Bachman’s sparrow include:
- Bachman’s sparrow is larger with a longer tail
- Bachman’s has gray cheeks, a chestnut cap, and buff-colored stripes on crown
- Bachman’s lacks streaking on breast
Le Conte’s Sparrow
The Le Conte’s sparrow is smaller with differences such as:
- Bright orange-buff stripes on crown
- Pale bill
- Unsafe, sedge-like habitat preferences
- Very buffy undertail coverts
Nelson’s Sparrow
Nelson’s sparrows are rare winter visitors that can be distinguished by:
- Gray nape and greenish crown
- Brighter, yellow-ochre face and supercilium
- More heavily streaked underparts
- Preference for tidal marshes
Where is the Florida grasshopper sparrow found?
The Florida grasshopper sparrow is endemic to Florida and can only be found in a few isolated prairie regions of the central part of the state. Core populations occur in:
- Grasslands in Osceola, Polk, and Highlands counties
- Avon Park Air Force Range
- Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
- Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Fragmented smaller populations may exist in other dry prairie remnants. The total population is estimated at only several thousand birds.
What is its habitat?
The Florida grasshopper sparrow is found exclusively in dry, open grasslands with sparse shrubs. Typical habitat includes:
- Dry prairie
- Pastures
- Abandoned agricultural fields
- Grassy areas with scattered saw palmetto or scrub
- Recently burned areas
- Areas with sandy soil and sparse ground cover
Grass height and density is a key habitat requirement. Sparrows prefer clumps of short-to-moderate grass interspersed with patches of bare ground.
When and how is the Florida grasshopper sparrow active?
The Florida grasshopper sparrow can be seen year-round within its limited range, but it has some seasonal differences in activity:
- Most active and vocal during the breeding season of March to July.
- More quiet and secretive in winter months.
- Often solitary or found in pairs.
- Walks on ground while foraging; flies low and rapidly when flushed.
- Sings and calls from low, semi-concealed perches in grass or shrubs.
- Most active during early morning and at dusk.
What do Florida grasshopper sparrows eat?
Florida grasshopper sparrows are mostly insectivorous, feeding on a diet of:
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Spiders
- Ants
- Other small insects
They find prey while walking along the ground, and occasionally pick insects off vegetation. Seeds from grasses and forbs may be eaten during winter.
What does the song and call sound like?
The Florida grasshopper sparrow has a simple, insect-like song of 4-8 buzzy phrases that each last about 1-2 seconds. The song is lower and more gurgling than the grasshopper sparrow’s buzz. Calls include a low, grating “chek” and soft seep sounds.
How do Florida grasshopper sparrows breed and nest?
The breeding biology of Florida grasshopper sparrows includes:
- Breeding season lasts from March to July.
- Males sing from low perches to defend territories.
- Nests are well-concealed on ground in clump of grass at base of shrub.
- Nest is cup-shaped, built from grasses and lined with finer grass/hair.
- Clutch size is 3-5 eggs.
- Incubation lasts 11-13 days.
- Young leave nest at 9-12 days old.
Both parents feed and care for the young. Pairs may raise 2-3 broods per season. Nests are often parasitized by brown-headed cowbirds.
Why is the Florida grasshopper sparrow endangered?
Once common on dry Florida prairies, the Florida grasshopper sparrow declined due to a loss of over 90% of its grassland habitat. Other threats include:
- Conversion of prairie to agriculture, pine plantations, and development
- Fire suppression allowing encroachment of shrubs and trees
- Habitat degradation from drainage and soil disturbance
- Nest parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds
- Predation by expanding coyote populations
- Vehicle collisions
With a population under 3,000 birds, the Florida grasshopper sparrow was federally listed as Endangered in 1986. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect and restore remaining habitat.
Conclusion
The Florida grasshopper sparrow is a unique, endemic bird of Florida’s dry prairie regions. Identifying this species by sight and song takes practice, as it can be tough to distinguish from more common grassland sparrows. However, familiarity with its appearance, habitat preferences, behaviors and limited range help set this species apart. By understanding the identification of the Florida grasshopper sparrow, observers can better report sightings and contribute to conserving this rare species.
