Harris's sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

Harris's sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) is a large sparrow.

Family: Passerellidae Order: passerines Conservation: Near Threatened
Harris's sparrow

About the Harris's sparrow

Harris's sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) is a large sparrow. Their breeding habitat is the north part of central Canada (primarily the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, ranging slightly into northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan), making it Canada's only endemic breeding bird. In the winter they migrate to the Great Plains states of the United States, from southern South Dakota to central Texas. The common name of this species commemorates the American amateur ornithologist Edward Harris (1799–1863).

Fun Facts About Harris's sparrow

  • Their breeding habitat is the north part of central Canada (primarily the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, ranging slightly into northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan), making it Canada's only endemic breeding bird.
  • The common name of this species commemorates the American amateur ornithologist Edward Harris (1799–1863).

Conservation Status

The Harris's sparrow is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. This species faces threats that could impact its population if conservation measures are not maintained.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyPasserellidae
GenusZonotrichia
SpeciesZonotrichia querula

Range & Habitat

Range map of Harris's sparrow

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Related Species

Other species in the Passerellidae family: