Monday, September 11, 2006

White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis)

We presently have three different Sparrow species visiting our feeders daily: Song Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows. The most visually outstanding of these three are the White-throateds. The white and black striped head and the yellow lores of the adult immediately give recognition. And even when you do not see them their call is very distinctive so that when you hear their refrain, "O Canada, Canada, Canada", you know a White-throated Sparrow is nearby. This season we have had many adult and juvevile White-throated Sparrows in our feeder area in late summer, perhaps more than other years. This juvenile pictured here already shows the beginnings of its distinctive head patterning.

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