Black-Throated Sparrow
Amphispiza bilineata
DescriptionThe Black-throated Sparrow is well adapted to its desert habitat. Studies have shown that this bird has a great tolerance for heat and drought. During the hot months of late summer and early fall it maintains itself on dry seeds and water holes. After it rains, these sparrows gather into small flocks and feed on vegetation and insects, which provides all the moisture they need.
Gray-brown upperparts. White underparts. Gray-brown crown and cheeks. Black throat and chest, which ends in a V shape. White eyebrow and mustache. Juvenile has white eyebrow and throat. Chest is finely striped. Sexes similar. 5 to 5.5 inches in length.
Desert scrub and sagebrush.
Nesting4 white eggs. The eggs have an 11-12 day incubation period. Fledging occurs in 9-10 days. The nest is loosely built from bark, grass, stems and lined with wool, hair, or feathers. The nest is usually built in a thorny bush.
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