In our last post we looked at two North-American sparrows which turn up every spring to breed here, Savannah and Vesper Sparrows. This time let’s look at a sparrow you will only see here in summer, the Lark Sparrow.
Lark Sparrow, distant but easily recognizable
This is one of the few places in Canada where they can be seen. Most of their range is in the western US, from the westernmost States eastwards to Ohio. Although these sparrows are mostly found in the South Okanagan, especially the drier habitat in the White Lake protected area or in the sagebrush near Osoyoos, they have been seen several times over the years on Beaver Lake Road. As the climate changes, these instances have become more frequent recently, and we can probably expect sightings here more often in the future.
Lark Sparrow foraging on the ground
Lark Sparrow with a juicy insect to feed its young
They like well-drained, poor sandy soils, and males are strongly territorial of their nest sites. The cup-shaped nest is usually placed on the ground at the base of a plant, or just off the ground in a bush or small tree, but not more than seven feet or so up. Three to five eggs are laid in each clutch with one or two broods raised annually. While the female incubates the eggs, both parents feed the fledgling chicks for nine – ten days after hatching until they leave the nest.
Lark Sparrow, clearly showing distinctive facial pattern
The young are fed mainly insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, spiders and others, a good source of protein for growing bodies. Interestingly the parent birds forage mostly on the ground, walking and hopping about in open areas. In winter these birds are known to favour seeds, including those of grasses and weeds as well as waste grain.
Lark Sparrow singing, rear view