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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > BIRDS
Pooecetes gramineus affinis
The range of this vesper sparrow subspecies is confined entirely to the Pacific Northwest. Adult birds are large compared to other sparrow species, measuring up to 6 inches (15.24 cm) in length. Their plumage is typically tan, or light brown, streaked with dark brown. They have white tail feathers and a white ring around the eye. They can be found primarily in open landscapes dominated by grasses, forbs, and shrubs. They will generally forage on the ground but build their nests in structured vegetation or trees. Their diet consists of small insects and seeds.
Their predators include ground squirrels, skunks, raccoons, and in urban areas, domesticated cats.
Range and Habitat:
The bird is found only in southwestern British Columbia, western Washington and Oregon, and northwestern California. They prefer habitats with good forage, such as grasslands, shrublands, and farmlands. They are most commonly found in the Willamette Valley and the Klamath Mountains in Oregon.
Conservation Status:
Common. In recent years, the Oregon vesper sparrow has been in decline. Their shrinking numbers may be related to the loss of native habitat, the introduction of invasive plants that cannot be used as a food source, or invasive animals that compete for limited habitat.
Pooecetes gramineus affinis
The range of this vesper sparrow subspecies is confined entirely to the Pacific Northwest. Adult birds are large compared to other sparrow species, measuring up to 6 inches (15.24 cm) in length. Their plumage is typically tan, or light brown, streaked with dark brown. They have white tail feathers and a white ring around the eye. They can be found primarily in open landscapes dominated by grasses, forbs, and shrubs. They will generally forage on the ground but build their nests in structured vegetation or trees. Their diet consists of small insects and seeds.
Their predators include ground squirrels, skunks, raccoons, and in urban areas, domesticated cats.
Range and Habitat:
The bird is found only in southwestern British Columbia, western Washington and Oregon, and northwestern California. They prefer habitats with good forage, such as grasslands, shrublands, and farmlands. They are most commonly found in the Willamette Valley and the Klamath Mountains in Oregon.
Conservation Status:
Common. In recent years, the Oregon vesper sparrow has been in decline. Their shrinking numbers may be related to the loss of native habitat, the introduction of invasive plants that cannot be used as a food source, or invasive animals that compete for limited habitat.
