Black-throated sparrow

[AMPHISPIZA BILINEATA]

This flamboyant sparrow may look dainty but is one of the hardiest of desert birds. A year-round resident in the deserts of California, it thrives in open, sun-baked areas with little vegetation. It has even been observed in the barren infernos of Death Valley. These sparrows bring a certain delightful energy to the desert landscape as they scamper about the ground in search of seeds or ascend onto high perches to burst into sweet tinkling songs.

NATURAL HISTORY

Black-throated sparrows can survive without drinking water, eating only dry seeds. They appear to rely on the minuscule amounts of water found in seeds. But they also reabsorb every possible molecule of water from their urine, feces and exhalations. For a rare succulent treat, they will eat bits of green vegetation or insects, both of which are virtual reservoirs of water compared with their regular diet.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Though its upperparts are a plain brownish-gray, this sparrow is readily recognized by its jet-black bib and dark mask, sharply outlined

with crisp white lines.