Click photo to see complete painting

Vesper Sparrow

Status Uncommon in summer, rare in winter. Breeds. It was formerly fairly common and prior to 1960 the average date of arrival was 22 April. Since then, probably because it is less often encountered, it has been first detected somewhat later (average 3 May, earliest 18 April). In summer it is found locally in dry agricultural areas, largely in the Annapolis Valley. Fall occurrences are more widespread (including three Cape Breton Island records), and a few counts of 10 or more birds have been made from late September through October. Latest departures are difficult to determine, as birds after mid-November will probably attempt to winter. They have been occasional on Christmas Bird Counts (15 at Wolfville on 27 December 1967) and there are January and February reports of 1-7 birds during five winters since 1955.

Description Length: 14-16.5 cm. Adults: Crown and back light brown, streaked with black and buff; tail dark brown, the outer feathers showing white conspicuously; lesser wing coverts bright rufous; distinct pale eye ring; underparts grayish white, streaked with dark brown with tinge of buff.

Breeding Nest: On the ground, composed of coarse grass lined with fine grass, sometimes hair. This bird shows a preference for open pastures or fields where the grass is short and sparse as a result of poor soil. There it places its nest in the open, without the slightest attempt at concealment. Eggs: 4-5; usually bluish white, sometimes pinkish white, speckled with various browns. A nest found at Gaspereau, Kings County, on 19 May 1900 contained four fresh eggs. It was placed in an open field, entirely exposed, and composed wholly of grasses. Another found at New Minas, Kings County, on 11 June 1922 contained four slightly incubated eggs. It was similar in construction and location but liberally lined with horse hairs.

Range Breeds from middle British Columbia, northern Alberta, central Ontario, southern Quebec, and Nova Scotia, south to North Carolina, Colorado and central California. Winters in the central and southern United States and Mexico.

Remarks This grayish brown, rather large member of its subfamily seldom comes to a feeding tray in winter but often is seen feeding on weed seeds in roving bands of Dark-eyed Juncos and Tree Sparrows. Its outstanding field mark is the white on the outer feathers of its tail, conspicuous in flight. The junco has similar markings but is a darker, slate-coloured bird.

Usually seen at low elevations, the Vesper Sparrow's favourite perch is a fence rail or post, from which the clear, pure and plaintive notes of its lovely song are impressive, especially when heard close at hand on a calm evening in early spring.