Overview
The San Clemente Bell’s sparrow was listed as threatened in 1977 primarily due to severe habitat loss on San Clemente Island which resulted from historical ranching and grazing. Depredation by feral cats and the potential for introduction of other non-native plants and animals also contributed to the decision to list the Bell’s sparrow.
The U.S. Navy administers San Clemente Island and successfully removed non-native grazing species from the island, which contributed to re-establishment of shrub communities. As a result of increased habitat availability on the island, the Bell’s sparrow population size and distribution increased. In 2013, the Navy also implemented the San Clemente Island Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, that included erosion control, predator management, fire management and biosecurity measures to reduce the potential for impacts to natural resources. Due to the observed increase in the distribution and abundance of the Bell’s sparrow and the Navy’s commitment to continue conservation actions, the species was declared fully recovered and removed from Endangered Species Act protection in 2023.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
It weighs on average half an ounce.
Adult plumage is characterized by a dark gray to brown dorsal, or upper, coloration with distinct black streaks and light buffy underparts. A distinct dark colored, central breast spot or stickpin is apparent on the chest area. The wing and tail are dull blackish. A white eye ring is obvious against a dark cheek, as is a whitish line over the eye.
Food
It eats insects, spiders and seeds from the ground and low vegetation. During the winter, San Clemente Bell’s sparrows also feed on prickly pear and cholla cactus fruit and moths.
Life Cycle
Clutch size ranges from one to five eggs, with asynchronous hatching after 12 to 13 days of incubation conducted mostly by the female. The species is able to breed its first year.
Habitat
It is found throughout xeric habitat on the island, preferring the maritime desert scrub where California boxthorn is common.
The land near a shore.
Geography
It is a small, non-migratory songbird found only on San Clemente Island, California.