Help with Black-throated Sparrows, California (1 Viewer)

[RJW]

I photographed some Black-throated Sparrows (Amphispiza bilineata) yesterday in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, in San Diego Co., California. Some had odd white patches where black is normally seen in an adult. There were juveniles present, and I presume maybe the oddly marked ones might be juveniles molting into adult plumage, but it seems early for that - it is only July and the literature says typically this species retains its juvenile plumage until around October.

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[rkj]

Hello and welcome to Birdforum. I am not sure, but I think your birds are probably adults that are molting. They look similar year 'round, but they do change feathers in the Fall, and for these hot desert birds Fall probably comes early.

 

[fugl]

Hello and welcome to Birdforum. I am not sure, but I think your birds are probably adults that are molting. They look similar year 'round, but they do change feathers in the Fall, and for these hot desert birds Fall probably comes early.

I agree. . ..

 

[RJW]

Thanks - much appreciated!

 

[RJW]

Thank you