2000. Summary statistics of observations by breeding status category for the Lark Sparrow in Minnesota based on all blocks (each 5 km x 5 km) surveyed during the Breeding Bird Atlas (2009-2013). Minnesota Birds: Where, When and How Many. Although many grassland dependent species have been the focus of intense studies, this edge-dependent species has been largely overlooked. A slight complication is that not all Lark Sparrows are as brightly adorned as is the first individual. Elsewhere, the birds were most common in Dakota and Goodhue Counties and along the entire length of the Minnesota River valley, where dry, sandy river terraces and granite outcrops provide ideal habitat. 2017). Rare, little known, and difficult to find in its known Mexican range, this species may be more adapted to grassland habitats that have disappeared or been drastically altered since European settlement. Statement of Need and Reasonableness: In the Matter of Proposed Amendment to and Repeal of Rules Governing Minnesota’s List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species in Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6134: Endangered and Threatened Species. In Ohio, where state officials have classified the species as endangered, the species had become rare and localized by the 1960s and remains so today (Rodewald et al. In addition to the population center in the Brainerd Lakes region, MNBBA records documented that Sherburne County, as well as habitats in adjacent Isanti and Anoka Counties, remained a stronghold for the species. The eggs and young of two species have sometimes been found in the same nest, suggesting they share the nest with the other bird. Of these areas, only the Minnesota River valley still provides suitable habitat. Here’s a second Lark Sparrow that looks rather drab in comparison to the first bird. Birds in Minnesota. The Birds of Minnesota. This map depicts the range boundary, defined as the areas where the species is estimated to occur at a rate of 5% or more for at least one week within each season. In winter, look for them in small flocks in brushy areas. //]]> In winter, look for them in small flocks in brushy areas. 2012. Breeding distribution and relative abundance of the Lark Sparrow in North America based on the federal Breeding Bird Survey, 2011–2015 (Sauer et al. ([1998] 2002) recommended that grassland sites be burned at intervals of five to eight years early in the season, before the birds return to their breeding grounds. “Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus).” Minnesota Biological Survey: Breeding Bird Locations. "statcounter.com/counter/counter_xhtml.js'>"); New World Sparrows and Towhees (Passerellidae). Members of this family are known for their terrestrial behavior, cheery songs, and in the case of sparrows, challenges to their identification due to similarities in appearance of several species. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms. birds! In western Wisconsin, the Lark Sparrow declined in abundance during the first half of the twentieth century along the lower Chippewa River. A regular breeding resident and migrant, the Lark Sparrow was an uncommon species during the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (MNBBA). Look for unique black, white, and rufous face pattern, brighter on adults and duller on immatures. The New World Sparrows and related birds are placed in the passerellidae (pronounced pass-ur-EL-ih-dee), a group of one hundred and thirty species in twenty-six genera only found in the New World. Avianweb / BeautyOfBirds or any of their authors/publishers assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of any of the published material. birds! Unfortunately, another excellent birder, Karl Bardon, visited the Gunflint Trail site two days later and could not relocate the birds.