Relatively common in its range and easily identify by its distinctive markings, the white-throated sparrow is attractive and familiar to many birders.

Common Name:

White-Throated Sparrow

Scientific Name:

Zonotrichia albicollis

Appearance:

• Bill: Conical, dark
• Size: 7 inches long with 9.5-inch wingspan, long tail
• Colors: Black, brown, yellow, white, gray, rufous
• Markings: Genders are the same with a boldly striped black-and-white head that shows a yellow patch on the brow in front of the eyes. The white throat is clearly defined. The upperparts are mottled brown and rufous with a little black, and the rufous wings show two thin, spotted white wing bars. Underparts are grayish with faint streaking, and the legs and feet are pale. A common color morph has tan streaks on the head instead of white.

Foods:

Seeds, fruit, insects, tree buds

Habitat and Migration:

White-throated sparrows prefer coniferous or mixed forests, woodland edges and suburban parks and gardens. Their summer breeding range includes the boreal region of Canada as well as the northern Great Lakes area and the northeastern United States. In winter, these birds migrate to the southeastern United States as far west as Texas and southern New Mexico, and they can also be found along the Pacific Coast of California. Where the breeding and winter ranges overlap in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts, these birds can be found year-round.

Vocalizations:

The clear, slow whistle song of the white-throated sparrow is just as distinctive as its markings. The whistle is high pitched and slowly warbles in a pattern often described as "ooooh-sweeeet-Can-a-da" and male birds will sing frequently to advertise their territories, even singing all night long. Other calls include a high "chip" or "pink" syllable that may be repeated slowly for several seconds.

Behavior:

Typically solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season, these sparrows will join mixed flocks with other sparrow species in the autumn and winter. They forage low in shrubby cover or on the ground, hopping and scratching with both feet while feeding. Of the two color morphs, the white-striped variety tends to be more aggressive.

Reproduction:

These are monogamous birds and the female parent will incubate the eggs for 12-14 days. After hatching, both parents feed the altricial young for 6-12 days. A mated pair of white-throated sparrows will raise 1-2 broods of 1-6 eggs each during the breeding season, with the second brood more common among southern populations.

Attracting White-Throated Sparrows:

These are curious birds that are attracted to pishing in the field. Backyard birders can attract them by leaving leaf litter undisturbed for foraging and by providing a brush pile or low shrubs for suitable cover and shelter. At the feeders, white-throated sparrows are attracted to millet and black oil sunflower seeds offered on the ground or in low trays.

Similar Birds:

• White-Crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
• Seaside Sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus)

Photo – White-Throated Sparrow – White-Striped © Michael Woodruff
Photo – White-Throated Sparrow – Tan-Striped © New Jersey Birds