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Gary Clark · Saturday 20th October 2007, 13:38

I've worked pretty hard on this little sparrow, and unfortunately I don't have a shot of the back to help. I found him/her in extreme northwest Nevada, a few miles from the Idaho border, in mixed conifer/sagebrush high desert (around 9000'). I won't prejudice your IDs with my own theories, as I seem to be going in circles. Thanks for any help.

PS: the dark area on the head is a shadow, not a marking.

birderbf · Saturday 20th October 2007, 14:22

I'd say Brewer's Sparrow. The small, pointed beak and long, notched tail say Spizella to me, and the lack of dark lores and any warmish tones leads me away from Clay-colored and Chipping (the latter of course not too likely).

Microtus · Saturday 20th October 2007, 23:02

I agree with Brewer's Sparrow.

Xenospiza · Sunday 21st October 2007, 19:17

Habitat is excellent for Brewer's too.

Saturday 20th October 2007, 13:38	#1
Gary Clark Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NE Nevada Posts: 1,764 My location	Drab sparrow, High sage desert, northern NV, USA I've worked pretty hard on this little sparrow, and unfortunately I don't have a shot of the back to help. I found him/her in extreme northwest Nevada, a few miles from the Idaho border, in mixed conifer/sagebrush high desert (around 9000'). I won't prejudice your IDs with my own theories, as I seem to be going in circles. Thanks for any help. PS: the dark area on the head is a shadow, not a marking. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Gary Clark : Saturday 20th October 2007 at 13:49.
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Saturday 20th October 2007, 14:22	#2
birderbf Wild, Wild West ................... ern Spindalis Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New York Posts: 3,037 Blog Entries: 25	I'd say Brewer's Sparrow. The small, pointed beak and long, notched tail say Spizella to me, and the lack of dark lores and any warmish tones leads me away from Clay-colored and Chipping (the latter of course not too likely). __________________ Good birding! My Photo Gallery

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Saturday 20th October 2007, 23:02	#3
Microtus Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 4,324	I agree with Brewer's Sparrow.

Sunday 21st October 2007, 19:17	#4
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