Chipping Sparrow – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Overview

Species Common Name Chipping Sparrow
Species Scientific Name Spizella passerina
State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley ecoregion is bounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. This long mostly level alluvial plain has some scattered areas of low basalt, and contrasts with productive farmland and large urban areas. It has the fastest-growing human population in the state resulting in challenges due to land-use changes.

Special needs

Chipping Sparrows are typically found in open forests and drier woodland edges. They prefer areas with sparse, herbaceous understories for foraging.

Limiting factors

Loss and degradation of habitat are key limiting factors. Loss of oak woodlands, in particular, due to development, fire suppression, and invasive plant encroachment is of particular concern. Known nest predators include snakes, American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and domestic cat (Felis catus).

Data gaps

Evaluate the effects of cowbird parasitism on breeding success. Investigate the effects of feral cats in residential nesting areas. Examine management practices in agricultural areas (e.g., orchards) and their effects on this species.

Conservation actions

Maintain areas of open, herbaceous native plant understory in oak woodlands. Control key invasive plants.

Key reference or plan

The Willamette Valley Landowner's Guide to Creating Habitat for Grassland Birds