Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

Common Primary territorial song

Learn to identify the Savannah Sparrow by ear. Master the "tsi-tsi-tsssip" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tsi-tsi-tsssip”

What the Savannah Sparrow sounds like

A small, short‐tailed sparrow with crisp brown streaks over a white chest and a distinctive yellow wash in front of the eye. While superficially plain, the Savannah Sparrow shows neat, fine streaking, a shallow notched tail, and a generally compact, flat‐headed profile that separates it from bulkier Song Sparrows.

“tsi-tsi-tsssip”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A short series of three thin introductory notes followed by a buzzy, insect-like trill that lasts less than two seconds. Often written as “tsi-tsi-tsssip”.

Don't confuse with:The Song Sparrow — song sparrow larger and bulkier

Lessons featuring the Savannah Sparrow

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Savannah Sparrow's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Sparrow Bootcamp

Tier 3 · Family Reunion

Sparrow Sorting Hat

Tier 7 · Warblers & Sparrows Deep

Sparrow Trill Tribunal

Tier 12 · By Pitch and Pace

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds across most of Canada, Alaska, and the northern and western United States; winters from the southern U.S. through Mexico, the Caribbean, and into northern Central America. Some coastal and Californian populations remain year-round.

Open, grassy habitats including coastal salt-marshes, hayfields, pastureland, dune grass, alpine and Arctic tundra, airport margins, and grassy roadsides.

Breeding: May–August; southbound migration August–October; wintering October–March; northbound migration March–May.

Similar species

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrow larger and bulkier

Grasshopper Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow unstreaked breast

Vesper Sparrow

Vesper shows white outer tail feathers

Savannah Sparrow song FAQ

What does a Savannah Sparrow sound like?

A short series of three thin introductory notes followed by a buzzy, insect-like trill that lasts less than two seconds. Listen for the "tsi-tsi-tsssip" phrase.

How do I tell a Savannah Sparrow from a Song Sparrow by sound?

Song Sparrow: Song Sparrow larger and bulkier; Longer, rounded tail; Thicker, more blurred breast streaks; Lacks yellow in lores.

When is the best time to hear a Savannah Sparrow?

Breeding: May–August; southbound migration August–October; wintering October–March; northbound migration March–May.