Unknown bunting/sparrow at Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado (1 Viewer)

[Alland160]

Hi - I took this picture at Pawnee National Grassland on 1 May 2015. It was about the size of a corn bunting or a lark sparrow and singing from some low scattered bushes in an area of open grassland. I thought it should be easy enough to identify with distinctive head markings and strong wing bars but nothing in Sibley seems to fit. Grateful for any suggestions!

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Welcome to BirdForum. I think that's a Grasshopper Sparrow. Nice shot.

 

[Larry Lade]

Yes, a nice shot of a Grasshopper Sparrow.

 

[KC Foggin]

Yeah, with it being mostly brownish, with an unmarked buffy breast, crown with a middle stripe, large head & short tail I'd say Andrew called it right as Grasshopper Sparrow.

 

[Gretchen]

Great shot - handsome bird!

 

[Alland160]

Grasshopper Sparrow

Hi - I took this picture at Pawnee National Grassland on 1 May 2015. It was about the size of a corn bunting or a lark sparrow and singing from some low scattered bushes in an area of open grassland. I thought it should be easy enough to identify with distinctive head markings and strong wing bars but nothing in Sibley seems to fit. Grateful for any suggestions!

Thanks all for your help with this one. I see it now - I think it was the apparent strength of the wing bars which threw me off the scent.

 

[Tiraya]

The yellow wing edge is pretty diagnostic of the genus as well, if you were in doubt, but it is a relatively distinctive bird without that too.

 

[Larry Lade]

The yellow wing edge is pretty diagnostic of the genus as well, if you were in doubt, but it is a relatively distinctive bird without that too.

That coupled with the yellow lores.

 

[Tiraya]

That coupled with the yellow lores.

You don't get that on Le Conte's, Nelson's, saltmarsh and Henslow's though. Well maybe on Henslow's sometimes.