Clay-colored or Chipping Sparrow? (1 Viewer)

Marcel Gauthier

Well-known member

• Mar 21, 2006

• #1

Hello

Clay-colored or Chipping Sparrow? Pictured end of august 2005 near Quebec City by my friend Guy Germain.

I see a Clay-colored. He sees a Chiiping.

Your opinion are welcome

 

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Katy Penland

Well-known member

• Mar 21, 2006

• #2

Chipping for me, too. That long black eyeline that extends to the nape is diagnostic. Also, notice the dark lores, another Chipping feature where Clay-colored would be pale.

Beautiful shot! I love these guys. I had one overwinter this year, which is unusual -- we don't normally see them until late spring for the breeding season.

 

jcwings

Well-known member

• Mar 21, 2006

• #3

Ditto for me... Chipping. The black eyeline extending through the lores is diagnostic for Chipping, whereas this loral spot is not marked in Clay-colored. Clay-colored should show a grayer nape patch, and a bird in this plumage has a central median crown stripe.

 

M

Miedin

Closet Birdwatcher

• Mar 21, 2006

• #4

I agree with Chipping for the reasons already given.

 

C

cavan wood

Well-known member

• Mar 21, 2006

• #5

Am I correct in suggesting that the crown would also not be so rufous in clay-coloured?

Beautiful photo by the way.

Scott

 

London Birder

Well-known member

• Mar 21, 2006

• #6

gorgeous picture

 

T

Terry O'Nolley

Cow-headed Jaybird

• Mar 22, 2006

• #7

After agonizing over the various choices offered by the many field guides, I think it looks most like a non-breeding plumage Chipping Sparrow (August-March).

 

C

chippingsparrow

Well-known member

• Sep 23, 2006

• #8

Marcel Gauthier said:

Hello

Clay-colored or Chipping Sparrow? Pictured end of august 2005 near Quebec City by my friend Guy Germain.

I see a Clay-colored. He sees a Chiiping.

Your opinion are welcome

Click to expand...

Adult Chipping Sparrow, but plumage turning into its winter colouring, with brownish ear patch instead of grey, and some streaking in it's rufous crown, rather than a bright chestnut crown. Not a juvie, as it would show some streaking on the breast. A neat bird, and an excellent photo--you've captured it beautifully.