Louisiana Sparrow IDs (1 Viewer)

Cillana

Well-known member

• Feb 26, 2010

• #1

Seen in the Atchafalaya Basin during the GBBC. I'm pretty sure on my IDs, but I just wanted to get a second opinion since it's for an official count.

First 3 shots (all same bird): Swamp Sparrow
Last 2 shots (both same bird): Song Sparrow

 

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Chris Benesh

So much work, so little time...so let's go birding

• Feb 26, 2010

• #2

Hi,

They each appear as you suggest.

Chris

 

MichelleOhio

Well-known member

• Feb 26, 2010

• #3

I thought Song sparrows had a darker chest dot. Do some not have this spot?

 

james holdsworth

Consulting Biologist

• Feb 26, 2010

• #4

MichelleOhio said:

I thought Song sparrows had a darker chest dot. Do some not have this spot?

Click to expand...

I think the angle of the photo is obscuring it to some degree but to answer your question, yes, there is variability in this feature.

When it comes to sparrows, it's best not to try to fixate on a single field mark but rather to take a long look at the overall appearance of the bird, noting stance, actions, habitat and looking at a suite of fieldmarks. Sparrows can be notoriously variable and small plumage changes can throw you off if you are too stuck on one feature.

 

J

Jim M.

Member since 2007

Supporter

• Feb 26, 2010

• #5

{EDIT: cross posting with James}

MichelleOhio said:

I thought Song sparrows had a darker chest dot. Do some not have this spot?

Click to expand...

Yes, some do not have the spot, so absence of the spot is not really an ID feature for song.

The photos are swamp and song, as the OP suggested.

Best,
Jim

 

MichelleOhio

Well-known member

• Feb 26, 2010

• #6

Thanks, James & Jim. I guess if I see the spot I'll just consider it a bonus.

 

Cillana

Well-known member

• Feb 27, 2010

• #7

Thanks guys