The Black-throated Sparrow is known for arid desert scrubland, and that is where such areas on the Oklahoma Panhandle give one exactly what asked for since 1974. They are frequently seen in the open upon the ground or on twiggy shrubs in canyons. 2018 has been the year of sightings in Oklahoma in both spring and fall at Easter Pageant, as well as a few other sparse observations in Cimarron County. They are still not often seen here.
A small sparrow with striking marks that include the black throat and bib, the singing male has a notable call in the spring. The species feeds on seeds and insects, and can occur up to 7,000 feet elevation. They are often under cacti and shrubs, and if proper habitat can be cultivated, they will come to feeders. Insects are usually only consumed during the breeding season and seeds for the remainder of the year.
Black-throated Sparrow (Texas subspecies)
Rio Grande Valley, Texas 2017
Frequent hosts to the Brown-headed Cowbird, some of the young sparrows will not survive. Other problems include excessive heat, fire suppression, and loss of habitat due to urbanization.
The desert sparrow can withstand a great deal of heat, obtaining necessary water from food sources. Resident birds remain in the southern US, while northern breeders tend to join them there, as well as in Mexico.
See the Western Subspecies of this bird with others in Arizona:
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2018/05/birding-on-shoestring-wilds-of-arizona.html
