White Throated Sparrow – Birding –

White Throated Sparrow Taxonomy/Description:

The white throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a member of the family Emberizidae.

The breast has gray/tan streaks, the streaks continue down the flanks, however, the belly is generally light gray. The wings are rufous with two distinct white wing bars.

There are two adult plumage variations known as the tan-striped and white-striped forms. On the white-striped form the crown is black with a white central stripe. On the tan form, the crown is dark brown with a tan central stripe.

Some individuals may show dark lateral stripes of each side of the throat.

White Throated Sparrow Habitat:

In the northeastern U.S. and across most of Canada, white-throateds breed in forests within dense undergrowth. The conversion of forested lands to agricultural fields does eliminate potential breeding habitats, as it does for many species.

In Texas, these birds are plentiful in the winter months and can be seen most anywhere food is available. These birds do frequent backyard feeders and are right at home in a dense forest area.

Photo/Details/Information:

Photo taken in Frisco, Texas Febuary 5, 2013

The photo, above shows, clearly, the field marks of the white-striped form or morph. It also shows an individual with dark lateral stripes on each side of the throat.

White Throated Sparrow