• This small, brown songbird can be distinguished by a sparsely streaked breast, large head and small tail. Both male and females are typically between 4 and 5 inches long with a roughly 8-inch wingspan.

• Once abundant in North Carolina, the Henslow’s sparrow is a state-listed species of special concern. Its population has steadily declined since the mid-20th century throughout its range, from the Midwest to the Southeast, as its weedy grassland habitat has become less common.

• Often described as famously inconspicuous, the Henslow’s sparrow is a ground forager that feeds on insects, mostly grasshoppers and beetles. It only reluctantly takes flight, preferring to flee from threats by running through its grassy habitat.

• During summer breeding season, males will perch on a weedy stalk to deliver a short, hiccuplike “tsi-lick” call. The bird sings most often at dusk and dawn but has been known to call all night. When not signing, Henslow’s sparrows are difficult to observe, hiding in dense grass.

• A large population of Henslow’s sparrows reside at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s newly acquired Voice of America Game Land in Beaufort County.

Henslow’s SPARROW2017 featured species

HENSLOW’S SPARROW FACTS:

Henslow’s sparrow | Ammodramus henslowii