ID request - Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA (1 Viewer)

[gromit901]

Greetings,

The photo was taken on the Clingman's Dome trail in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Sept. 17, 2022. I was taking pictures of Juncos and thought this bird was too, till I got the photo home and saw the eye color. Is this perhaps a juvenile Eastern Towhee?

Thanks for any expertise you can offer.

 

[Bewick]

Strange resemblance to a dunnock, though the location makes that highly improbable. I’m European and only know the American standout birds.

 

[tom baxter]

Its a sparrow, looks like Swamp Sparrow I think

 

[gromit901]

Strange resemblance to a dunnock, though the location makes that highly improbable. I’m European and only know the American standout birds.

Ha, I looked up Dunnocks and see what you mean. (But, yes, pretty improbable so won't be listing it as that.)

 

[gromit901]

Its a sparrow, looks like Swamp Sparrow I think

Thanks. Yes, I've looked through the sparrows and can't quite match it up with any. To me, it doesn't have the markings on the head that I'd expect with a Swamp Sparrow. I know that the shadow of the grass blade cutting across the cheek doesn't help.

 

[tom baxter]

Thanks. Yes, I've looked through the sparrows and can't quite match it up with any. To me, it doesn't have the markings on the head that I'd expect with a Swamp Sparrow. I know that the shadow of the grass blade cutting across the cheek doesn't help.

I agree, just guessing. It otherwise looks like one, but I am not sure.