White-throated sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Identification Tips:
- Large sparrow
- Dark conical bill
- Long slightly forked tail
- Pink legs
Alternate:
- Bold black and white or tan head stripes
- Yellow lores
- White throat contrasting with gray breast and cheeks
- Brown back with dark streaks
- Brown wings with two white wingbars
- Whitish belly
Basic and Juvenile:
- Similar to alternate but duller
- Blurry streaks on breast and flanks
- Stripes on head tan and brown
- Indistinct yellow lores
Similar species:
In spring, the bold head stripes and yellow lores are diagnostic. In fall,
these features may be less noticeable. The contrasting white throat and dark
bill separate it from the White-crowned Sparrow. Swamp Sparrow has rusty
wings and is smaller.