Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)

Common to uncommon statewide depending on season and location. "Chippies" breed in North Carolina in open pine forests and various edges of fields & woods.
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Durham Co., NC
6 Apr 2006

In breeding plumage, they have a rich chestnut cap, black eye line, and "sharp" coloration.


Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Catawba Co., NC
31 Jan 2008

In winter plumage, especially in young birds, they crown is more diffuse & dull chestnut, the eye line is less dark, and the overall pattern & colors are less bold.

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Catawba Co., NC
31 Jan 2008

Note that the eye line extends in front of the eye toward the bill. This helps distinguish Chipping Sparrows from Clay-coloreds and Brewer's.

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Catawba Co., NC
31 Jan 2008


Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Wake Co., NC
28 Sep 2012


Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Missoula Co., MT
15 Sep 2013
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Missoula Co., MT
15 Sep 2013

Note the gray rump contrasting with the back color.


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Created on ... Jan 31, 2008 | Updated on ... Jan 31, 2008 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com