Habitat

Breeding Range

Generally in successional old fields, woodland openings and edges, roadsides and railroads near open fields. Does not breed close to human habitation; occasionally found in Christmas tree farms, orchards, and nurseries (Peterjohn and Rice 1991). Will nest in old fields directly after a burn or within a year of cultivation, but only if there is scattered woody vegetation with elevated perches in the territory. As thickets of trees spread in the habitat, numbers decline. The general trend for old field habitats is that Field Sparrows begin breeding within 1-2 years after human uses stop; population sizes rise for perhaps a decade, then decline. After ~30 yr of old field succession, the habitat is overgrown with trees and shrubs and no longer used for breeding (MC).

In N. Dakota (Stewart 1975), mixed-grass prairie partially covered with an open canopy of low shrubs; here, breeds primarily in silver sage (Artemisia cana) flats that occur on valley floors along streams and in badlands.

In Pennsylvania and Missouri, habitat requirements overlap greatly with those of Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia; DEB, MC). See also Food Habits/microhabitat for foraging and Breeding: nest site, for details.

Spring And Fall Migration

Similar to breeding and winter habitats; occasionally in suburban yards.

Winter Range

Abandoned agricultural and grazed fields, forest edges, fencerows bordering fields (Allaire and Fisher 1975). In a study of agricultural landscapes in coastal North Carolina, Field Sparrows were found only in un-manipulated field edge habitats, not in fallow fields, narrow borders, or in mowed field borders (Marcus et al. 2000). Similar habitat preferences seen in Georgia (Watts 1996).