However, not all large grasslands may be used. Henslow's sparrow and grasshopper sparrow: a comparison of habitat use in Finger Lakes National Forest, New York. Grasshopper Sparrow Distribution, Habitat Associations, and Use as an Indicator Species for Grassland Birds in Southwestern Minnesota. Reductions in grassland habitat due to agricultural conversion have caused severe declines in populations of many grassland bird species. HABITAT: Breeds and winters in grasslands, including prairies, pastures, meadows, and old fields. The grasshopper sparrow shares its habitat with many other rare or uncommon bird species, such as the upland sandpiper (threatened), vesper sparrow, horned lark, bobolink, meadowlark, and northern harrier. The birder who learns this sound may spot the bird perched on a weed stalk or the lowest wire of a fence. More often heard than seen, the secretive Grasshopper Sparrow gets its name for the buzzing, insect-like quality of its songs. Authors. The grasshopper sparrow is one of the few North American sparrows that sings two completely different songs during the breeding season: one to attract females and one to defend a territory. A flat-headed, short-tailed little sparrow of the fields, the Grasshopper Sparrow may go unnoticed even when it is singing, because its song is much like the buzz of a grasshopper. When seen among the dense grasses where it breeds, this small, short-tailed bird appears big-headed and large-billed compared to other sparrows. Elliott, Lisa. All these species are reliant on grasslands; many are declining in the Northeast. Its secondary song, longer and more musical than the primary song, can be given from a perch or in flight. Description. Grasshopper Sparrows were more numerous before large tracts of shrub-steppe habitat were converted to intensive agriculture. These small sparrows measure 10–14 cm (3.9–5.5 in) in length, span about 17.5 cm (6.9 in) across the wings and weigh from 13.8 to 28.4 g (0.49 to 1.00 oz), with an average of 17 g (0.60 oz). The Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is endangered. Type. In Maine, sparrows occupied only 50% of suitable sites over 100 ha (250 ac; Vickery et al. Terres, J. K. 1980. grasslands provide suitable habitat (Vickery 1996). The Conservation Reserve Program, which sets aside fields of perennial grasses and does not allow plowing or grazing, has added considerable Grasshopper Sparrow habitat to eastern Washington in recent years. Bird Observer 20(4):187-194. Thesis or Dissertation. Its primary song is given from a perch and is reminiscent of an insect buzzing. Issue Date 2016-02. For details see the model narrative: grasshopper_sparrow_model.htm Purpose: Habitat suitability information mapped for this and for 62 other species of concern in the Gulf of Maine will be used to identify valuable areas for conservation, protection and enhancement of plant, fish and wildlife habitat. The Grasshopper Sparrow prefers large fields over 40 ha (100 ac), although the species will use sites as small as 12 ha (30 ac). Abstract. Bird Observer 20(4):187-194.