Amphispiza bilineata
adult
The Black-throated Sparrow is a distinctive species. The sexes are similar. Adults have mostly plain gray-brown upperparts, darkest on the wings and tail; the tail has white outer feathers that are noticeable in flight. The head pattern comprises a dark brown crown, white supercilium, dark cheeks, a white “mustache,” and a black throat and chest. The underparts are otherwise whitish. Juveniles are similar to an adult but paler, with black elements of the plumage replaced by gray or streaked brown.
The Black-throated Sparrow is present as a breeding species in the north of its range mainly from May to August. Outside the breeding season these birds move south, boosting numbers of year-round residents in southern U.S.A. and Mexico. In winter, they are sometimes found in small flocks.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 5.5 in (14 cm)
FOOD Mainly seeds, with invertebrates in spring and summer
HABITAT Desert and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats
STATUS Locally common summer visitor
VOICE Song starts with whistling notes and ends in a trill. Call is a thin, high tink
