Melospiza melodia
western adult
The Song Sparrow has breast markings that usually coalesce to form a central spot. The plumage varies across the species’ range but in any given area the sexes are similar. Eastern birds have a streaked brown back, reddish-brown wings with two pale wingbars, and a reddish tail. The head has a brown crown with a pale central stripe, a gray-brown face, and a dark stripe behind the eye that emphasizes the pale supercilium. A dark malar stripe separates the pale “mustache” from the whitish throat. The underparts are otherwise pale but heavily streaked on the breast and flanks. Birds from California have cleaner-looking underparts with more strongly contrasting dark markings, and grayer-brown upperparts with contrasting reddish wings. Birds from the southwest are paler and more buff overall. Pacific Northwest birds are darker overall. Alaskan birds are appreciably larger, and duller and darker. Juveniles are similar to their respective regional adults but more buff overall.
The Song Sparrow is present year-round in much of central North America. Northern populations migrate south in fall, and in winter the species’ range extends to southernmost U.S.A. and the Mexican border.
eastern adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 6–7 in (15–18 cm)
FOOD Mainly seeds, with invertebrates in spring and summer
HABITAT Wide range of scrubby habitats
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor, resident, and winter visitor, according to region
VOICE Song comprises three or four whistles followed by rich phrases and a trill. Call is a flat cheerp
