0 the grasshopper sparrow (ammodramus savannarum) is a small american sparrow .
1  the genus ammodramus contains nine species that inhabit grasslands and prairies .
2 the florida grasshopper sparrow (ammodramus savannarum floridanus) is endangered .
3 these small sparrows measure 1014 cm (3.95.5 in) in length , span about 17.5 cm (6.9 in) across the wings and weigh from 13.8 to 28.4 g (0.49 to 1.00 oz), with an average of 17 g (0.60 oz) .
4  adults have upperparts streaked with brown , grey , black and white; they have a light brown breast , a white belly and a short brown tail .
5  their face is light brown with an eye ring and a dark brown crown with a central narrow light stripe .
6  there are regional variations in the appearance of this bird .
7 their breeding habitat is open fields and prairie across southern canada , the united states , mexico and central america , with a small endangered population in the andes of colombia and (perhaps only formerly) ecuador .
8  the northern populations migrate to the southern united states , mexico , central america and the caribbean .
9  like many grassland birds , this bird's numbers have declined across many parts of its range , including a 98% drop in new york state .
10 the nest is a well-concealed open cup on the ground under vegetation .
11  they forage on the ground in vegetation , mainly eating insects , especially grasshoppers , and seeds .
12 this bird's song is a buzzy tik tuk zee , resembling the sound made by a grasshopper .
13  unlike some other members of the ammodramus family of sparrows , they will readily sing from open and exposed perches .
