What does the Song Sparrow eat?

The Song Sparrow's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore, primarily consuming insects and seeds.

How it forages

Forages primarily on the ground, scratching through leaf litter with both feet in a characteristic 'double-scratch' motion. Also gleans insects from low vegetation. Diet shifts seasonally, with insects and other invertebrates dominating in spring and summer, and seeds (especially from grasses and weeds) forming a larger part of the diet in fall and winter.

When it feeds

Diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon.

Explore the Song Sparrow