Melospiza lincolnii
adult
Lincoln’s Sparrow is a rather dumpy, short-tailed species. The sexes are similar. Adults have a dark-streaked buffish-brown back, and reddish-brown wings with two faint wingbars; the tail is reddish brown. The head has a brown crown with a pale central stripe, and dark-framed ear coverts that help define the broad gray supercilium. There is a buff malar stripe and a dark line that borders the streaked whitish throat. The breast and flanks are streaked and suffused buff, and the underparts are otherwise whitish. Juveniles are similar to an adult but paler overall, with more distinct wingbars.
Lincoln’s Sparrow is present as a breeding species across the Arctic and in the Rockies, mainly from April to September. Birds migrate south in fall, and the winter range extends from southern and western U.S.A. throughout Central America. It is a relatively bold species and usually easy to see in suitable habitats.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 5.75 in (14.5 cm)
FOOD Mainly seeds, with invertebrates in spring and summer
HABITAT Overgrown and weedy fields
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor
VOICE Song starts with a series of warbling jingles and ends in a trill. Call is a soft tchup
