Lark sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)

Scientific Classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Emberizidae
Species:	Chondestes grammacus
Common:	Lark sparrow

The lark sparrow is a passerine bird in the American sparrow family. It breeds in southern Canada, much of the USA, and northern Mexico. It migrates in winter the southern United States, Mexico and as far south as Guatemala.

Identification

Adults

Adult male and female lark sparrows are similar in appearance. They are a large sparrow, with long, rounded tail with white corners. They have plain whitish underparts with large dark spot in center of breast. They have a striking face pattern with the cheeks and crown sides being chestnut with white eyebrows and crown stripes.

Immature

Immature birds have brown streaks on the chest. The face pattern is more obscure with browns instead of chestnut and black, and dirty white stripes.