GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)

Species Code: PASA

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

The Savannah Sparrow is common throughout grassy lowlands on both sides of the Cascade Crest. In western Washington, common in disturbed grassy areas and farmlands in the Puget Trough area, along the Chehalis River, and out to the coast where is also breeds in grassy dunes..In eastern Washington, common in agricultural areas and disturbed grasslands. Locally common at hgh elevations in subalpine meadows of the northeastern Cascades.

Core zones were those below Silver Fir (west side) and those below and including the Grand Fir zone (east side), plus locally in the Subalpine Fir and Alpine/Parkland zones of the northeast Cascades. In the west-side zones, good habitats were limited to low-density development, agriculture, open riparian areas, estuarine (lower course of the river where its current is met by the tides), marshes (but not mud flats), and shorelines. Mid-density development was adequate. In the east-side zones, all other open habitats (grassland, steppe, tree savanna, forest openings and clearings, and subalpine meadows and parkland where appropriate) were also good. The Blue Mountains region was excluded.

Washington breeders represent two subspecies, P. s. brooksi of western Washington, and P. s. nevdensis of western Washington. It has been postulated that P. s. anthinus may breed at high elevations in the north Cascades, based largely on a specimen taken at Sheep Mountain (Okanogan County) in l920. However, in l960 breeding specimens were collected in alpine meadows at Harts Pass (Whatcom/Okanogan Counties) which were identified as P. s. nevadensis.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester