Phoenix, Arizona, USA - 24th October (1 Viewer)

[uk2usa]

Hello,

Really having a hard time identifying this bird. Spotted in desert scrubland over the weekend.
Any help would be massively appreciated. Thanks

 

[RafaelMatias]

Hi! The photo is beautiful, to begin with!
I've never seen one (so wait for other opinions!), but grabbing my Sibley I'd identify it as a Grasshopper Sparrow based on the following:
- pattern on the scapulars, mantle and greater coverts
- isolated spot on "rear auriculars"
- absence of flank streaks
- yellowish lores (in front of the eye), as in a Savannah Sparrow
- full thin white eye ring

 

[uk2usa]

Thank you - I appreciate the compliment and the ID.
Not sure that it helps, but this was in the same area, and I had initially ID'd this as a Savannah Sparrow.

 

[tom baxter]

I agree the first one is an odd looking grasshopper sparrow. The second one is a savannah sparrow.

 

[uk2usa]

Thank you both for the information... I consider it a huge success that I only had one "unknown" this time and that my id skills appear to be getting better!!