whitethroated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 5.75 inches

• Large sparrow

• Dark conical bill

• Long slightly forked tail

• Pink legs

Alternate:

• Bold black and white (or tan) head stripes

• Yellow lores

• White throat contrasting with gray breast and cheeks

• Brown back with dark streaks

• Brown wings with two white wingbars

• Whitish belly

Basic and Juvenile:

• Similar to alternate but duller

• Blurry streaks on breast and flanks

• Stripes on head tan and brown

• Indistinct yellow lores

Similar species:

In spring, the bold head stripes and yellow lores are diagnostic. In fall,
these features may be less noticeable. The contrasting white throat and
dark bill separate it from the white-crowned wparrow. Swamp wparrow
has rusty wings and is smaller.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: Successional-scrub
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-6
Length of Incubation: 11-14 days
Days to Fledge: 8-9(7-12)
Number of Broods: 1, occasionally 2
Diet: Mostly seeds; lesser quantities of insects and fruit

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
      Su - Summer: June, July, August
      Fall: September, October, November C

      Winter: December, January, February C

 

 

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