White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

Family:

New-World Sparrows

Size:

Small

Visits:

Throughout the Year

Behavior:

Ground Feeders

White-throated Sparrow Facts

Like dark-eyed juncos, white-throated sparrows are forest birds that head for more suburban climes in winter months. With striking striped heads and signature white throats, these sparrows are fun to spot foraging on the ground or hiding in a bush. Their song may give them away, a melodious Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody.

Size:

6" Long

Markings:

Male and female adults are similar and come in two variations: white-striped and tan-striped. White-striped adults have a white head with black side and central stripes. White-striped adults also have bright yellow patches between the eyes and beak and pronounced white patches at the throat. Tan-striped adults have tan heads with black side and central stripes. Juveniles have dark brown and tan stripes on the head and are overall duller in hue.

Habitat:

Forests and forest edges; in winter, in suburban parks and fields.

Behavior:

Interestingly, white-striped forms of these sparrows are more aggressive than their tan-striped peers, particularly during breeding season. In nonbreeding months, the birds are more peaceloving and gather in large flocks.

Diet:

Seeds, fruit, insects.

Vocals:

Song is a high-pitched whistle Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody. Call a sharp chink chink.