Lincon's or Marsh Sparrow? (1 Viewer)

[Dave S]

I saw a couple of these at work in the wetlands between the parking lot and the highway (about 100 yards wide). At first I thought they were Marsh Wrens because of their manerisms, but they definately don't fit the bill (sorry.. bad pun).

We have some Savannah Sparrows that live mostly around the blackberry bushes and they are much bigger than these. These were maybe a tad bit bigger than a wren, but not much. They were definately smaller than the song sparrows that were in the area.

I'm sorry that I couldn't get a frontal shot of them, so you're going to have to help me with profile shots only. Thanks in advance!

Dave

 

[streatham]

Hi Dave,

It's a Lincoln's - nice pics - you can spot then Lincoln's by the fine and sharp streaking on the breast as opposed to the Swamp which will give you some very diffuse streaking if at all - the Lincoln's is a much sharper looking bird. The Swamp also has a much darker rufous overall feel to it.

Luke

 

[prairiemerlin]

Yep, a nice shot of a Lincoln's Sparrow.

 

[buckskin hawk]

Swamp sparrows have a clear gray chest with redish on the wings. The Lincoln as mentioned above has very bold stripes with some pale yellow on the chest.

Their songs are quite different. The Lincoln is the musician with the Swamp having more of a mechanical rattle.