Scientific Name: Ermophila alpestris

Residency: Year-round throughout Arizona.

Diet: Seeds and insects on the ground.

Predators: Predators of adults and fledglings include raptors such as falcons, owls, and shrikes. Nest predators (small birds and eggs) include weasels, skunks, ground squirrels, raccoons, house cats, meadow voles, shrews, deer mice, as well as some avian predators (including American Crows and Western Meadowlarks).

Nesting: Three to five dark spotted eggs are laid in a grass-lined depression on the ground.

Nesting records:

Notes: Though this species is widespread and common, it is declining in some of its range due to urbanization, conversion of prairies to agricultural use and introduction of exotic species.

Photo: Photo at right was taken at Scottsdale Community College on February 9, 2007. For more photos, click on camera icon.