Florida Grasshopper Sparrow

(Ammodramus savannarum floridanus)

endemic subspecies of the Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)
description: plain-looking small sparrow with a white streak down center of crown bordered by dark stripes, a profusely striped back, a yellow band on the shoulder, large head, thick beak, and short tail
distribution: central Florida peninsula (Kissimmee Prairie State Preserve Park; Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area; and APAFR - on ranges Delta, OQ, Echo, and Bravo)
habitat: a large expanse of dry prairie with a frequent fire regime
song: similar to the buzz of an insect, hence their name ("pt-tup-bzzzzeeeeee")
males begin singing in mid March and can continue through August; females are usually silent
nest: cup-shaped and built on the ground; usually constructed in runner oak, lyonia, and/or grasses
reproduction: 2 broods (possibly 3) can be produced during the breeding season
nest predators: include skunks, raccoons, weasels, foxes, feral pigs, and snakes
most of their time spent on the ground searching for food (invertebrates and seeds)
status: endangered. Their native habitat is threatened by pine plantations, improved pasture for livestock, orange groves, and fire suppression.

photo taken by Jennifer Benson

references and selected readings:

- Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida. 1996. H.W. Rodgers, H.W. Kale II, and H.T. Smith, ed. vol.5.

pages 128-136. Florida Grasshopper Sparrow.

- The Birds of North America. 1996. A. Poole and F. Gill, ed. No. 239. Grasshopper Sparrow

(Ammodramus savannarum). P.D. Vickery.

- Birds of North America. 2000. K. Kaufman. pages 348-349. Grasshopper Sparrow.

page created by:

Jennifer Benson

2003, 2005 FGSP field technician

the subspecies does not migrate

distribution: central Florida peninsula (APAFR, Kissimmee Prairie State Preserve, and

Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area)

habitat: dry prairie with a frequent fire regime
their song is similar to the buzz of an insect, hence their name
males begin singing in mid March and can continue through August
2 broods (possibly 3) can be produced during the breeding season
nest is built on the ground, usually under dwarf oak and palmetto fronds
nest predators include skunks, raccoons, weasels, foxes, feral pigs, and snakes
most of their time is spent on the ground searching for food (invertebrates and seeds)
status: endangered

selected readings:

- Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida. 1996. H.W. Rodgers, H.W. Kale II, and H.T. Smith, ed. vol. 5.

pages 128-136. Florida Grasshopper Sparrow.

- The Birds of North America. 1996. A. Poole and F. Gill, ed. No. 239. Grasshopper Sparrow

(Ammodramus savannarum). P.D. Vickery.

page created by:

Jennifer Benson

2003 FGSP field technician