LeConte's Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii), a Special Concern species, is a small, chunky sparrow with an orange-yellow face and chest. Its head is marked by a white crown stripe between two black streaks. Black streaks also mark the sides and flanks. Its nape is pinkish-brown. An uncommon migrant to Wisconsin, the species is found nesting throughout the central and northern portions of the state. LeConte's Sparrow is found in habitats with tall, dense, moist vegetation such as sedge meadows, wet hayfields, and prairies. Other breeding habitats include marshy meadows and open bogs. Most individuals have been documented in the northern one-third of the state. Two to six pale greenish covered eggs with fine brown specks are laid in open cup nests, composed of fine grasses, on or above the ground. Females incubate the eggs for 11-13 days. Promoting practices that maintain tall grassland habitats will benefit this species in the state. The recommended avoidance period for this species is May 20 - July 20.
