Le Conte's Sparrow    Ammodramus leconteii

Conservation Status

General Status in Canada : Secure

COSEWIC Status : Not assessed

Breeding Bird Surveys indicate North American populations have changed little between 1966 and 2007 and populations are thought to be relatively stable. Loss of wetlands and grassland habitats due to draining and conversion to agricultural lands has likely affected the breeding distribution in some areas. Haying during the breeding season can destroy nests and, at times, cause direct mortality. Le Conte’s Sparrows prefer to nest in tall, dense vegetation, which may be disturbed by regular grazing, mowing and burning. Trampling by livestock may cause direct mortality to nestlings. In the west, Le Conte’s Sparrows will frequently nest in new cutblocks in association with wet areas; however, after a few years of use and increased vegetation height, the sparrows typically do not return to nest. Parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) is probably frequent, but varies by region. As a nocturnal migrant, Le Conte’s Sparrows are susceptible to fatal collisions with lit transmission towers and buildings.

Reference(s)

Lowther, P. E. 2005. Le Conte's Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii), The Birds of North America Online, . A. Poole, Ed. Ithaca: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology; Retrieved from The Birds of North America Online database: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/224