Five-striped Sparrow (Amphispiza quinquestriata)

The Five-striped Sparrow is a species with a small range in western Mexico and far southern Arizona. They can be relatively common in their small geographic range, but observing the birds is another matter, as they generally forage in dense vegetation. They are most easily observed when the male perches in a relatively open location to sing his song in the spring. Five-striped Sparrows were unknown in the United States until the 1950s, when nesting birds were found in several locations in far southern Arizona. The birds may have expanded their range to the north in recent decades, or the preferred habitat and the birds' habits may have just made them an unseen presence in Arizona until "found" in the 1950s.

Habitat

Found in areas of dense shrubbery and ocotillo in the Arizona portion of their range, particularly where such vegetative cover is found on sloped hillsides. They use similar habitat as well as dry open woods in the Mexican part of their range.

Diet

Feeds heavily on insects and other small invertebrates during the summer months. They will also feed on berries and seeds, with vegetative matter perhaps making up a larger portion of the diet during the winter months when insects are less available.

Behavior

Most foraging is done by walking along the ground or hopping through low vegetation.

Nesting

The nest of a Five-striped Sparrow is a deep cup of grasses, placed in vegetative cover such as in a thick clump of grass, a dense shrub, or in other dense vegetation. The female usually lays 3 or 4 eggs and she alone incubates them. When the eggs hatch, both parents help to feed the young. The young leave the nest after about 10 days, but typically are continued to be cared for by the parents for at least two weeks after fledging.

Song

Song of a Five-striped Sparrow is series of short, high-pitched, gurgling phrases.

Migration

Considered a permanent resident throughout its normal range. However, those found in southern Arizona typically are much more common in summer than in winter, indicating that some migration of the northern populations may occur.

Interactive eBird Map

Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Five-striped Sparrow sightings

Similar Species

Sage Sparrow , Black-throated Sparrow

Conservation Status

Populations appear to be relatively stable. The IUCN lists the Five-striped Sparrow as a species of "Least Concern".

Photo Information

Photo taken by Dominic Sherony - February 15th, 2009 - Zacatecas, Mexico - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License .