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ariddle · Sunday 9th February 2003, 00:17

Can anyone tell me what this is? I'm not the best at identifying sparrows (if it's a sparrow). Saw several of them and took this picture about three weeks ago in Norman, OK.

Thanks,
Alicia

**KCFoggin** · Sunday 9th February 2003, 01:12

It's a beautiful bird and my first guess would be a Baird's Sparrow but don't take my word on it. Maybe Gecsos will take a look. He'll know in a flash..

**IanF** · Sunday 9th February 2003, 08:50

I'm not too good on US birds, but looking in Sibley, it looks like it may even be a Wood Warbler. There seem to be loads of variations in markings so I wouldn't like to hazard a guess as to which one.

Osprey · Sunday 9th February 2003, 09:28

Quote:

Originally posted by IanF
I'm not too good on US birds

Nor am I. but the beak shape tells you it is not a sparrow IMHO

Warbler! as you say springs to mind.

Osprey

T0ny · Sunday 9th February 2003, 10:23

From looking in my ancient copy of 'Peterson' (Eastern Birds) I feel it could well be a Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

Tony

Gecsos · Sunday 9th February 2003, 13:09

I have found that the Savannah Sparrow can be one of the most confusing species emberizine sparrows out there, due to its geographical variation.

I have seen this happen many times before, an observer sees a drab "typical" Savannah Sparrow, and that image sticks in their brain. The next day they see a sparrow like Alicia's sparrow with an extreme amount of yellow on the superloral extending into the supercilium and malar, and they believe it to be a seperate species.

I have seen no field guide show a Savannah Sparrow with as much yellow as Alicia's bird. This is unfortunate, because it happens a lot.

Well anyway, your bird is a Savannah Sparrow.

~GECSOS

Osprey · Sunday 9th February 2003, 15:45

Yep I agree, never having seen one!

See:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/BOW/SAVSPA/

Look like one to me:-)

Osprey

ariddle · Sunday 9th February 2003, 16:05

OK then, Savannah Sparrow it is! Thanks everyone for helping me out.
Alicia

oldsquaw · Sunday 9th February 2003, 22:22

A agree with Savannah Sparrow too. Their colors can very, yellow this one looks like the many that I've banded.

Sunday 9th February 2003, 00:17	#1
ariddle Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Edmond, OK, USA Posts: 60	Some kind of sparrow? Can anyone tell me what this is? I'm not the best at identifying sparrows (if it's a sparrow). Saw several of them and took this picture about three weeks ago in Norman, OK. Thanks, Alicia Attached Thumbnails

Sunday 9th February 2003, 01:12	#2
KCFoggin Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Myrtle Beach SC "Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places" Posts: 116,713 My location	It's a beautiful bird and my first guess would be a Baird's Sparrow but don't take my word on it. Maybe Gecsos will take a look. He'll know in a flash.. __________________ KC a/k/a common KC Karma - What you send out Comes right back at ya Last edited by KCFoggin : Sunday 9th February 2003 at 01:15.
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Sunday 9th February 2003, 08:50	#3
IanF Moderator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Billingham, NE England Posts: 55,451 My location	I'm not too good on US birds, but looking in Sibley, it looks like it may even be a Wood Warbler. There seem to be loads of variations in markings so I wouldn't like to hazard a guess as to which one. __________________ Durham Bird Club -Teesmouth Bird Club---RSPB Saltholme---Durham Birding---Local patch - Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park
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Sunday 9th February 2003, 10:23	#5
T0ny Okillre Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Paston, Norfolk, UK Posts: 1,091	From looking in my ancient copy of 'Peterson' (Eastern Birds) I feel it could well be a Sharp-tailed Sparrow. Tony __________________ When in Danger or in Doubt - Run in circles, scream and shout. Last edited by T0ny : Sunday 9th February 2003 at 10:26.

Sunday 9th February 2003, 22:22	#9
oldsquaw Old Tooter Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 195 My location	A agree with Savannah Sparrow too. Their colors can very, yellow this one looks like the many that I've banded. __________________ Van:

Sunday 9th February 2003, 13:09	#6
Gecsos Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 22	I have found that the Savannah Sparrow can be one of the most confusing species emberizine sparrows out there, due to its geographical variation. I have seen this happen many times before, an observer sees a drab "typical" Savannah Sparrow, and that image sticks in their brain. The next day they see a sparrow like Alicia's sparrow with an extreme amount of yellow on the superloral extending into the supercilium and malar, and they believe it to be a seperate species. I have seen no field guide show a Savannah Sparrow with as much yellow as Alicia's bird. This is unfortunate, because it happens a lot. Well anyway, your bird is a Savannah Sparrow. ~GECSOS

Sunday 9th February 2003, 15:45	#7
Osprey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 113	Yep I agree, never having seen one! See: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/BOW/SAVSPA/ Look like one to me:-) Osprey

Sunday 9th February 2003, 16:05	#8
ariddle Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Edmond, OK, USA Posts: 60	OK then, Savannah Sparrow it is! Thanks everyone for helping me out. Alicia

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