I had a beautiful little sparrow foraging in my yard and I am not positive who it might be. I was leaning toward it being a female white-crowned sparrow, given its size and head markings, but the streaky breast isn't right for an adult and it was far too early in the season for an immature to be scratching around for goodies.
I've been consulting all the bird books and online identification guides I can get my hand on and have still not come to a definitive identification. I have considered the possibility that a swamp sparrow strayed a little from the wetlands and landed in my yard to snack for a few days.
I have also considered that it may be a Lincoln's sparrow on its way north to nest. But I can't absolutely convince myself one way or another. The Sibley bird guide does say that they're closely related, so perhaps my inability to decide isn't without cause.
Any birding experts or enthusiasts out there that can help me pin a name on this little cutie? It's a small bird - I'd say in the 5-6 inch range.
2 comments:
What a puzzler ! I'm leaning toward Savannah Sparrow, "Ipswich" style. Try allaboutbirds.org for pics. Your shots show the features very well. See what you think.
Hugs to ya, thanks for a mystery ! from BetsyLee
Ok, I also thought about the Lincoln sparrow.
I'm also tossing out:
1. fox sparrow
2. tan-striped white-throated sparrow
Fun trying to figure them out sometimes. Those "little brown birds" all look so similar and then toss in the female colorings.
Sheila
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