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Project Noah Nature School
Spizella passerina
Adults in non-breeding plumage are less prominently marked, with a brownish cap, a dusky eyebrow, and a dark eye-line. Juveniles are prominently streaked below. Like non-breeding adults, they show a dark eye-line, extending both in front of and behind the eye. The brownish cap and dusky eyebrow are variable but generally obscure in juveniles
Mason Farm Biological Reserve
Spotted on Nov 11, 2013
Submitted on Dec 19, 2013
8 Comments
You are not alone. I am confused by them all the time, especially winter vs summer looks :)
Don't worry Maria, you definitely aren't the only one! I think everyone has a hard time with at least a few of the sparrows. I have to consult my field guide for most species before I can definitively call them one thing or the other!
Thanks, gatorfellows! My skills in distinguishing sparrows still need improvement; some of them are just beyond me.
Here is a link from ASU (Arizona State University) to a range map that shows Chipping Sparrow is year round in North Carolina: http://askabiologist.asu.edu/bird?id=81
Good advice. Learning to use the instinct is a very important trait. Unfortunately too much of TV and electronics is dampening it.
Always go with your first instinct :)
Chipping sparrow was my first thought but then I changed my mind. I'll take your word for it, Ashley.
This isn't a Field Sparrow. This guy is too boldly marked, and field sparrows don't have a straight, tan line above the eye like this. Looks like a non-breeding Chipping Sparrow. All About Birds website doesn't show them in range for winter, but my field guide does.