Vesper or Brewer's Sparrow (1 Viewer)

[countryboy2]

Please help identify. Taken in central British Columbia

 

[Indobirder]

The feel I get is Brewer's.
Smallish bill, no definite rufous shoulder.

Do you have more photos?

 

[countryboy2]

The feel I get is Brewer's.
Smallish bill, no definite rufous shoulder.

Do you have more photos?

Only photo I got

 

[birdmeister]

I would go with Vesper for this bird. The tail looks proportionally shorter than on Brewer's, and I do believe the shoulder patch is visible enough to support Vesper. I suspect that the impression of a smaller bill is due to the angle of the bird's head. That strong dark line separating the throat and cheek is good for Vesper and not Brewer's, which can show eye-ring but has a plainer face overall.

Habitat could be a clue, I believe Brewer's prefers drier areas than Vesper during breeding season.

 

[Indobirder]

Valid points. The amount of contrast and tail-length are good arguments. Looking at photos it is possible for the rufous to be hidden or just not stand out that much, so I think your assessment is better than mine.

Vesper is quite widespread, while Brewer's is more uncommon and localized.

 

[Ruff-Leg]

Brewer's also show a mostly gray collar.