Features: The Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) may be distinguished from other small sparrows in its genus by its pale olive green head and hind neck, chestnut wings, and brown and black streaked back. This secretive bird is most often detected by its song, an insect-like "tsi-lik". The Henslow's Sparrow breeds only in old fields, pastures and wet meadows that have not been extensively invaded by shrubs. As a ground nester, it requires dense, tall grasses, and thatch, or decaying plant material, for cover. This sparrow moves on to new locations as plant succession changes the specific habitat conditions upon which it depends.

Status: Endangered Provincially and Nationally

Range: The breeding range of the Henslow's Sparrow is restricted to the northeastern and east- central United States and southern Ontario. It overwinters in states bordering the Gulf of Mexico and in southeastern states on the Atlantic Coast. The species has experienced a serious decline in Ontario and no definite evidence of breeding has been reported in the province for several years. Declines have also occurred in this sparrow's primary United States range. Range Maps

Threats: Old field habitat is being lost in Ontario and elsewhere due to changes in farming practices, urbanization and the succession of fields to thicket and forest.

Protection: The Henslow's Sparrow is protected under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. It is also listed under Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007, which protects the species and its habitat. The Natural Heritage component of the Provincial Policy Statement under Ontario's Planning Act provides for the protection of significant portions of the habitat of species listed in regulation under the E.S.A.. In addition, Ontario's Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP) will provide 100% tax relief to private landowners for the portion of their property (minimum size 0.5 acres) determined to be habitat of species in regulation under the E.S.A. This program recognizes, encourages and supports private land stewardship. The recently completed national Henslow's Sparrow Recovery Plan emphasizes the need for habitat protection and enhancement, grassland restoration, and surveys and monitoring.

Text Sources: Bull and Farrand 1977; Godfrey 1986; Knapton 1984; Austen et al. 1994

Last Modified Date: October 2008