This species is also known as the Desert Sparrow, as it prefers arid and dry desert hillsides and shrubs for breeding and nesting. New World Sparrows(Order: Passeriformes, Family:Passerellidae). In general, bright colors are not a hallmark of this family although some species do show patches of bright orange and red-brown. The New World Sparrows and related birds are placed in the passerellidae (pronounced pass-ur-EL-ih-dee), a group of one hundred and thirty species in twenty-six genera only found in the New World. Timing of nesting activity may vary from year to year, depending on timing of rains. var sc_https=1; In proper habitat, still widespread and common. Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Most of the small birds such as the finches, wood-warblers, and sparrows are members of the one hundred and forty-two families found in the largest taxonomic order of birds; the PASSERIFORMES (pronounced pas-ser-i-FOR-meez). Spends winters south to the desert regions of the southwestern U.S. from California to central Texas south into Mexico. Help power unparalleled conservation work for birds across the Americas, Stay informed on important news about birds and their habitats, Receive reduced or free admission across our network of centers and sanctuaries, Access a free guide of more than 800 species of North American birds, Discover the impacts of climate change on birds and their habitats, Learn more about the birds you love through audio clips, stunning photography, and in-depth text. Dark-eyed Juncos and various other species are also well known visitors to feeders during the winter months. The face pattern jumps out when the bird is perched in the open, but at other times the soft brown back and pale underparts help it blend in with its desert home. document.write("