Vesper or Brewer's Sparrow - Vantage WA USA (1 Viewer)

[BodyResults]

Saw this bird in a sage brush area. Both are know to be in this spot. I was certainly hearing Brewer's Sparrow singing but not Vesper. This bird look a bit different than others I saw.

What do you think Brewer's or Vesper and why?

Thanks for you help.

Doug

 

[Kratter]

Clay-colored Sparrow. Brewers has a plain face. Vesper is streaked below
Andy

 

[DarkFireFalcon]

Definitely a spizella, but it looks too dull for a Clay-colored, especially since they should be in breeding plumage right now. Brewer's show some variation, and while this one is at the brighter end of the spectrum, it's not outside the range of variation. I'd expect a buffier face with a more contrasting white malar and darker crown for a spring Clay-colored. While not unheard of, they are also pretty uncommon in eastern Washington, especially in the spring.

 

[Little SuperBirder]

The dark malar stripe is kind of making me think Clay-colored, as is the (apparent) lack of streaks on the nape. I think the streaks on the "nape" are actually part of the crown.

 

[BodyResults]

Thanks for reviewing this guys. Brewer's is certainly the more expected one. I don't think a single Clay-colored has been reported yet this season in WA state.

Any more thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chris butterworth]

The complete eyering and streaked rump are spot on for Brewers. Vesper would have rufous lesser wing coverts, the OP bird has grey, and Clay-colored would have a stronger contrast between the crown and the rest of the head, a whiter sub-moustachial / malar and an unstreaked, contrasting brown rump.

 

[ovenbird43]

The complete eyering and streaked rump are spot on for Brewers. Vesper would have rufous lesser wing coverts, the OP bird has grey, and Clay-colored would have a stronger contrast between the crown and the rest of the head, a whiter sub-moustachial / malar and an unstreaked, contrasting brown rump.

Agreed.

 

[DarkFireFalcon]

The dark malar stripe is kind of making me think Clay-colored, as is the (apparent) lack of streaks on the nape. I think the streaks on the "nape" are actually part of the crown.

Many Brewer's Sparrows (contrary to what some field guides show) only have streaking in the center of the nape like this.

 

[Tiraya]

My immediate impression was definitely Brewer's.