Melodic Sparrow
My post features the Song Sparrow today.This sparrow is one of the most abundant as well as adaptable species.They are native sparrows of North America.
I remember the first time I saw this birds; for awhile I thought I was looking at mice moving among plants and rocks, every time I saw movement and just a blur hoping from here to there, scurrying behind flower pots and plants.
Once I caught sight of them in the open, I learned of their preferred and common habits.
Adult song sparrows have brown upper-parts with dark streaks on the back and are white underneath with dark streaking and a dark brown spot in the middle of the breast. They have a brown cap and a long brown rounded tail. Their face is gray with a streak through the eye.
Although they are a habitat generalist, their favorite habitat is brushy areas and marshes, including salt marshes, across most of Canada and the United States. They also thrive in human areas, such as in suburbs, along edges in agricultural areas, and along roadsides. In southern locations, they are permanent residents.
The sparrow species derives it name from its colorful repertoire of songs.
Singing itself consists of a combination of repeated notes, quickly passing isolated notes, and trills. The songs are very crisp, clear, and precise, making them easily distinguishable by human ears.
These birds forage on the ground, in shrubs or in very shallow water. They mainly eat insects and seeds. Birds in salt marshes may also eat small crustaceans. They nest either in a sheltered location on the ground or in trees or shrubs. They have learned and adapted to eat from my feeder saucers and not so much from the ground.
Song sparrows typically learn their songs from a handful of other birds that have neighboring territories.
Photo Gallery
Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
We have what I believe is called the white-crested sparrow which is due to come overwhelmingly-in any day now. They come up here for breeding and nesting and come in great numbers, taking over the feeders and engaging in a zithering-trill ‘song’ that sounds very strange when being done by such numbers together. But I do enjoy them so much. They are entertaining and a true sign that Spring is here.
I’m sure you’ll see a few more species of sparrows, since most of them have their breeding grounds in Canada. Thanks Lance for sharing. 🙂
This is one of the sparrows (with the tree and chipping) that moved my identification skills past house sparrows and other “little brown jobs”.
There are many sparrow species and it’s fun to learn how to identify one apart from the other. Thanks for sharing Geoff! 🙂
Interesting post and lovely pics, thanks for sharing, your sparrows are more interesting than ours.
Thank you very much Ashley! 🙂
Nice pictures and explanations. Keep posting! 🙂
Thank you Sugy! You keep visiting my blog! 🙂
They may be abundant, but I still find them very pretty, appealing birds. Thank you for the interesting information and lovely pictures as always.
Thank you Jane, I agree with you 100%. 🙂
I have been enjoying this series on your birds. Thank-you,HJ!
I do these in order for followers to get acquainted with my birds. Thank you Clare! 🙂
Very useful too! 🙂
I love your photographs. The Song Sparrows look as if they are posing just for you. Which of course they are, but it’s still amazing.
Thank you Lisa, I appreciate it! 🙂
Oh how I enjoy listening to this sweet sparrow — enjoyed your photos too, HJ. 😀
Thank you very much Jet! 🙂