Watercolor portrait of Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus
Breeds across much of southern Canada, t… Dry grasslands, prairies, weedy pastures… common Primary Evening Song

Learn to identify the Vesper Sparrow by ear. Master the "chee-ti-ti tisilée siléé siléé" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“chee-ti-ti tisilée siléé siléé”

What the Vesper Sparrow sounds like

The Vesper Sparrow is a fairly large, streaky sparrow of open country, named for its sweet, ringing song that often continues into the evening "vespers" after other birds have fallen silent. With subtle yet distinctive field marks, it quietly forages on the ground or from low perches, flashing white tail edges in flight.

“chee-ti-ti tisilée siléé siléé”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A cheerful series of clear, bell-like notes followed by a descending, hurried trill, delivered from a fencepost or the ground, most often at dawn and dusk. Often written as “chee-ti-ti tisilée siléé siléé”.
Don't confuse with:The Savannah Sparrow — savannah is smaller and shorter-tailed with yellowish eyebrow patch.

Lessons featuring the Vesper Sparrow

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Vesper Sparrow's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Sparrow Trill Tribunal lesson habitat
Sparrow Trill Tribunal
Tier 12 · By Pitch and Pace
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Where you'll hear it

Dry grasslands, prairies, weedy pastures, hayfields, sagebrush flats, field edges, and occasionally cultivated croplands with scattered shrubs or fence lines.

Arrives on breeding territories from April to early May; peak singing May–July, often at dawn and dusk. Post-breeding flocks form July–August, followed by southbound migration August–October. Winters November–March in open fields and desert grasslands of the southern U.S. and Mexico.

Similar species

Savannah Sparrow

Savannah is smaller and shorter-tailed with yellowish eyebrow patch.

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrow is more heavily streaked with broader blurrier streaks and a longer, rounded tail.

Lark Sparrow

Lark Sparrow shows bold chestnut face pattern and central tail spot; overall much bolder head pattern.

Vesper Sparrow song FAQ

What does a Vesper Sparrow sound like?
A cheerful series of clear, bell-like notes followed by a descending, hurried trill, delivered from a fencepost or the ground, most often at dawn and dusk. Listen for the "chee-ti-ti tisilée siléé siléé" phrase.
How do I tell a Vesper Sparrow from a Savannah Sparrow by sound?
Savannah Sparrow: Savannah is smaller and shorter-tailed with yellowish eyebrow patch.; Lacks white outer tail feathers and rusty shoulder patch..
When is the best time to hear a Vesper Sparrow?
Arrives on breeding territories from April to early May; peak singing May–July, often at dawn and dusk. Post-breeding flocks form July–August, followed by southbound migration August–October. Winters November–March in open fields and desert grasslands of the southern U.S. and Mexico.