White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis
- IdentificationVisual tips about this species
- BehaviourHabitat, behaviour, and food
- PopulationSubspecies and numbers
- ReproductionNesting and eggs
Identification
A heavy-bodied and long-tailed sparrow. The most outstanding field marks for this species are its well-defined white throat, a yellow spot between the eye and the bill and, in most adults, a black-and-white striped crown. First-winter birds and some adults have tan-colored, rather than white, stripes on the head but can still be told by their neat white throats and at least a hint of yellow on the lores. The dark bill further distinguishes it from its closest relative, the White-crowned Sparrow.
Voice
Its song, heard at any season, consists of 2 clear, high-pitched whistles, followed by 3 tremulous notes on a different pitch. It is often described as ‘Poor Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody’.
Length
6.75in
Behaviour
The White-throated Sparrow species is made up of two color morphs, with the most obvious difference being the color of the central crown stripe. Either sex may show a white or tan stripe and oddly enough, white-striped females sing and tan-striped ones do not. Since males of the white-striped morph react to other singers with aggression, they run the singing white-striped females away. This means that pairs are nearly always made up of one bird from each color morph.
Migration
Winters in the southern and eastern U.S., along the Pacific U.S. coast and in extreme northern Mexico. The spring movement is in April and May, fall's primarily in October and November.
Habitat
Breeds in all types of habitats at the edges of coniferous and mixed woodlands. In winter it is found in areas of heavy brush and weed cover, as well as in parks and suburbs with dense vegetation.
Food
Insects, spiders, snails, seeds and berries.
Population trends
A widespread, common species.
Where in US
Breeds across much of the northern U.S. Winters in the southern and eastern U.S., along the Pacific U.S. coast and in extreme northern Mexico.
Nests
The nest is usually on the ground under low bushes or hidden in grass, but sometimes in bushes, low trees or in brush up to 5 ft. above the ground. It is normally located on the edge of a clearing, road, pond or other woodland margin. It consists of a cup of twigs, bark strips, grasses, rootlets and pine needles, lined with finer rootlets, grasses and hair.
Eggs
Usually 4-5 eggs, but sometimes 3 or 6, pale blue or greenish-blue in color, with specks, spots and splotches of reddish-brown and lilac. Single-brooded.
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