Watercolor portrait of Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia
Year-round in much of the United States Extremely versatile – found in open wood… Common Song

Learn to identify the Song Sparrow by ear. Master the "maids maids maids" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“Madge-Madge-Madge, put-on-your-tea-kettle-ettle-ettle”

What the Song Sparrow sounds like

A medium-sized, streaky brown sparrow with thick dark streaks on a white chest that often coalesce into a central breast spot. It shows a mix of warm reddish-brown and gray on the head and back. The Song Sparrow is one of the most familiar sparrows across North America.

“maids maids maids”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A varied series of 3–4 short clear notes followed by a buzz or trill. This is often rendered as "Maids, maids, maids, put on your tea-kettle-ettle-ettle," a melodious and emphatic tune. Males sing tirelessly in spring and summer to defend territories. Often written as “Madge-Madge-Madge, put-on-your-tea-kettle-ettle-ettle”.
Don't confuse with:The Savannah Sparrow — smaller with a shorter tail and overall more slender.

Lessons featuring the Song Sparrow

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

Backyard Day Shift lesson habitat
Backyard Day Shift
Tier 1 · Right Out the Door
Sparrow Bootcamp lesson habitat
Sparrow Bootcamp
Tier 3 · Family Reunion
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Extremely versatile – found in open woodlands, brushy fields, marsh edges, hedgerows, and suburbs. They favor areas with dense, low cover (brush, grasses) near open ground or water.

In spring, males arrive early and sing persistently to establish territories and attract mates. During summer they breed, often raising multiple broods of chicks. In fall, northern Song Sparrows migrate south and others form loose flocks, molting into fresh plumage and foraging on seeds. In winter, they frequent brush piles and feeders in small flocks, maintaining a presence in much of the U.S. while migrants from the far north join resident birds.

Similar species

Savannah Sparrow

Smaller with a shorter tail and overall more slender.

Fox Sparrow

Larger and chunkier, with heavier, blotchy spots or chevrons on the underparts instead of neat streaks.

Song Sparrow song FAQ

What does a Song Sparrow sound like?
A varied series of 3–4 short clear notes followed by a buzz or trill. This is often rendered as "Maids, maids, maids, put on your tea-kettle-ettle-ettle," a melodious and emphatic tune. Males sing tirelessly in spring and summer to defend territories. Listen for the "maids maids maids" phrase.
How do I tell a Song Sparrow from a Savannah Sparrow by sound?
Savannah Sparrow: Smaller with a shorter tail and overall more slender.; Has crisp fine streaks and usually a yellow spot in front of the eye (yellow lore), which Song Sparrow lacks.; Typically lacks a central breast spot, and shows a clear buffy or whitish eyebrow stripe unlike the gray-and-rust face of a Song Sparrow..
When is the best time to hear a Song Sparrow?
In spring, males arrive early and sing persistently to establish territories and attract mates. During summer they breed, often raising multiple broods of chicks. In fall, northern Song Sparrows migrate south and others form loose flocks, molting into fresh plumage and foraging on seeds. In winter, they frequent brush piles and feeders in small flocks, maintaining a presence in much of the U.S. while migrants from the far north join resident birds.