Watercolor portrait of Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata)

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata
Many birds stay year-round across the de… Dry, open country is its sweet spot Fairly common Sweet whistle + trill

Learn to identify the Black-throated Sparrow by ear. Master the "tsee tsee, ti-ti-ti-ti-trrr" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tsee tsee, ti-ti-ti-ti-trrr”

What the Black-throated Sparrow sounds like

A crisp little desert sparrow with a bold black throat, bright white stripes on the face, and a neat gray back. It often pops into view on a cactus, shrub, or fence wire, looking clean-cut and striking even in dusty country.

“tsee tsee, ti-ti-ti-ti-trrr”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A bright, musical song that often starts with a couple of clear notes, then tumbles into a quick trill. It carries surprisingly well across quiet desert mornings. Often written as “tsee tsee, ti-ti-ti-ti-trrr”.
Don't confuse with:The Sagebrush Sparrow — lacks the bold black throat of an adult black-throated sparrow.

Where you'll hear it

Dry, open country is its sweet spot. Look in desert scrub, sagebrush flats, rocky washes, and thorny shrublands with plenty of bare ground.

Spring is the easiest time to find them, when males sing from exposed perches in the cool morning light. In hot weather they can go quiet and low, slipping through shrubs and feeding on the ground.

Similar species

Sagebrush Sparrow

Lacks the bold black throat of an adult Black-throated Sparrow.

Brewer's Sparrow

Much plainer overall, with a weak face pattern and no black throat.

Lark Sparrow

Larger and flashier, with a bold chest spot and a much more patterned head.

Black-throated Sparrow song FAQ

What does a Black-throated Sparrow sound like?
A bright, musical song that often starts with a couple of clear notes, then tumbles into a quick trill. It carries surprisingly well across quiet desert mornings. Listen for the "tsee tsee, ti-ti-ti-ti-trrr" phrase.
How do I tell a Black-throated Sparrow from a Sagebrush Sparrow by sound?
Sagebrush Sparrow: Lacks the bold black throat of an adult Black-throated Sparrow.; Usually shows a subtler face and a small dark spot in the center of the breast instead of a solid black bib.; Favors sagebrush country more than hot, open desert scrub..
When is the best time to hear a Black-throated Sparrow?
Spring is the easiest time to find them, when males sing from exposed perches in the cool morning light. In hot weather they can go quiet and low, slipping through shrubs and feeding on the ground.