Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 5.5 inches
* Conical bill
* Brown crown
* Grayish face and supercilium
* Brown streak extends behind eye
* Thick malar streak
* Brown back with darker streaks
* Brown wings with some rust
* Underparts white with heavy dark streaks and central breast spot
* Long, brown, rounded tail
* Sexes similar
* Juvenile (Summer) similar to adult but buffier
* Considerable variation in plumage across its range from dark to rusty upperparts and in bill size and shape

Similar species:

The Song Sparrow can be told from the Lincoln's Sparrow by its larger bill, heavier streaking on the breast and flanks, lack of buffy color on the breast and face, brown back, larger size and longer tail. Juvenile Song Sparrows are very similar to juvenile Swamp and Lincoln's Sparrows. Savannah Sparrow is similar but smaller-billed and shorter-tailed with a yellowish supercilium. Fox Sparrow is much larger.