Turn Up the Volume

Whistles, Chirps, Buzzes, and Trills: Sparrows and Finches

This large group of songbirds includes towhees, grosbeaks, juncos, and a plethora of sparrows and finches. Some of the most common species—such as song sparrows, fox sparrows, white-throated sparrows, purple finches, and house finches—are real standout vocal artists.

• Live in fields, yards, and open woodlands.
• Eat seeds. Occasionally fruit and insects.
• Nest in trees and shrubs or on the ground.
• Attract with dense plantings of seed-bearing plants, such as purple coneflower, native grasses, and sunflowers.