Any ideas about this sparrow from near Kingston Ontario? (1 Viewer)

[Michal B]

Any help would be appreciated. Unfortunately, just one photo.

 

[Jim M.]

Savannah Sparrow

 

[Michal B]

Thanks Jim.
Savannah Sparrows are still around. It was the yellowish colour (photo taken about 10 am) that confused me. I could see the colour by eye, so it is not a camera aberration.

 

[KC Foggin]

Yup, a Savannah Sparrow.

 

[qwerty5]

Thanks Jim.
Savannah Sparrows are still around. It was the yellowish colour (photo taken about 10 am) that confused me. I could see the colour by eye, so it is not a camera aberration.

The yellow is probably exaggerated by the lighting I'm guessing.

 

[Michal B]

Thanks for the replies.
The photo was taken with the sun already high and no shadows or cloud to interfere with colour. Just for interest, in your experience, any chance it could be diet?

 

[birdmeister]

My guess is partly due to lighting and partly due to age. To me, the blurriness of the streaks and what looks like loose/fluffy plumage on the chest and belly suggest this is a juvenile. Other sparrows (Song comes to mind) can have an extra buffy or yellowish wash for several weeks after fledging.

 

[Michal B]

birdmeister:
I was assuming the bird was a juvenile. Your explanation of the yellow wash does provide the answer. I didn't see another Savannah Sparrow like it, but as you indicate, the lighting may have enhanced the variation.
Cheers.