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For many years this species has been an annual homesteader here in fairly large numbers. It is a small bird, barely 4 1/2 to 5 inches from beak tip to tail. They are quite friendly and nest in every available shrub and evergreen around the grounds. They are particularly fond of evergreen shrubs and small hedges like privet. The nests are tiny small cups of woven grass hidden just beneath the foliage surface. They lay from 3 to four brightly colored marine blue eggs which are themselves tiny, measuring about 1/2" in length. They get their name from their song which are several high pitched notes sounding like "chips". They are found widely across the northern two thirds of the continental U. S., and range far into the Canadian northwest during breeding season. They are migratory, and winter habitat is along the southern coastal states into Mexico.
Entries and Updates
Jun 18, 2006
I have approximately 40-50 evergreen and deciduous shrubs throughout the property, and there is no shortage of nesting sites available. However, there is a large summer bird population of different species all looking for homes for their babies. And sometimes there is competition between (and among) species for territorial rights. The tiny Chipping Sparrow loves the lower spots of about 4-6 feet off the ground in thick foliage. So their choices do not conflict much with their larger cousins. My biggest concern is Blue Jays and squirrels disrupting a nest, and I seem to have plenty of both. This morning I found an egg of a Chipping Sparrow lying on the ground beneath a Black Hills spruce, and I wonder if a larger bird or squirrel had done this, or whether a thunderstorm had dislodged the nest and eggs. Pictured here is the egg I found; and I marvel at this tiny masterpiece of bright speckled color.
Jun 19, 2006
In this picture from yesterday, June 18, I have intruded briefly into a nest of three babies to capture a memory of these tiny birds. The nest is barely three inches in diameter, and the growing babies which are crowded within its structure will be gone within a day or two. At this stage of their development they are always hungry, and the parents are constantly on the move bringing food to the nest. I have a bench located near this nest which is a handy place to watch the activities of this little family. Bear in mind this picture is greatly enlarged at least twice actual size.
