H2: Basic Description
Henslow’s Sparrow, scientific name Ammodramus henslowii, is a small bird that belongs to the family Emberizidae. It has a length of about 12-14 cm and a wingspan of 17-19 cm. The male and female look similar with olive-brown feathers on its back and head with streaks all over their body. They have white bellies, reddish-brown shoulders, and yellow patches right above their eyes.
H2: Where To Find This Bird
These birds are native to North America; specifically in parts of the United States such as Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan as well as some states from southern Canada where they breed during summers before migrating southwards for winters.
H2: Habitat
These sparrows prefer grasslands which are not grazed upon by cattle or horses so that tall vegetation stays intact. Tallgrass prairies provide good breeding habitats for them while they also survive in old fields having dense vegetation cover.
H2: Food
Their diet mostly consists of insects like beetles and caterpillars but it also includes seeds both in wintering grounds and breeding areas. During nesting season adult Henslow’s Sparrows feed insects to their chicks because insects provide more protein than seeds which helps strengthen the growth rate of young ones.
H2: Cool Facts
One interesting fact about these birds is that they make nests on the ground amidst tall grasses without using twigs or sticks unlike most other bird species who create elaborate nest structures up high in trees or bushes. These sparrows rely on long strands of dried grasses woven together to form shallow cups perfect for laying eggs since this way it blends seamlessly into surrounding environment providing camouflage against predators such as snakes or rats who’d want nothing more than an easy meal!
Another notable thing about them is how distinct their song sounds – short introductory notes followed by trills that sound like “tsri-tsrip” or even “se-wee”. This song comes in handy especially during courtship when males try to attract females towards them. However, these birds are quite shy and often difficult to spot because they prefer staying hidden beneath the tall grasses in their habitat so you might have a tough time finding them!
