Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerine

Chipping sparrow is a species of American Sparrows. It is known in most parts of the world but is found commonly in North America. This is a medium-sized sparrow with a back that is dark brown in color with black color streaking and the underparts are normally light or pastel gray in color. They have a reddish brown “cap” on their head, while the face looks striped with white and black color. The neck is white. Their beak is black in winter but more pink in summer, eyes are a dusky brown, and legs and feet are pink-orange in color.

Cool Facts

• Listen for the “chip-chip” sound they make just like their name says!
• What do they like to eat? They like a variety of foods: seeds, fruits, insects and also a small quantity of sand and stones. You often find these birds at your own feeders.
• The female builds the nest without the help of the male and often you can see right through it.
• During the summer, the chipping sparrow has a distinctive white eyebrow and black eyeliner, but in the winter the color tends to fade a bit and their beak looks black instead of the summer pink beak.
• They usually lay three to four eggs in the nest. The base color of the egg is bluish green with freckles and a small number of squiggles of dark brown, purple and black colors.

Children, Nature and You Resources to help you give the children you influence the awe and wonder that only the natural world can inspire

Freeport Park District Information on all the Freeport parks

Freeport Public Library More than books on a shelf...visit the Freeport Public Library

Freeport/Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau Events located in Stephenson County, IL

Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families

The Great Backyard Bird Count for Kids Sponsored by the Audubon Society and other partners

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Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots A program of the Jane Goodall Institute offering a variety of programs and resources

National Audubon website Use “Get Outside” and “Family Time” prompts

National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine

Paddle the Pecatonica River Water Trail Enjoy Illinois’ “Friendliest Paddle” on the Pecatonica River

Resource Guide Supplement to Last Child in the Woods Designed for parents, teachers, and community leaders to help them encourage children’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Severson Dells Nature Center Located near Rockford, IL.

Sierra Club Outdoors The program's goal is to give every child in America an outdoor experience.