Sparrow ID (Lincoln's,Song?) Gainsville, Florida today (1 Viewer)

[serena933]

Sparrow ID (Lincoln's,Song?) Gainsville, Florida today

I went looking for a Lincoln's sparrow reported in a field in Gainsville at NewLake. Are these just song or something else? Thanks!!--Breanna

 

[Steve Schoech]

Fairly certain 3 and 4 are song sparrows. Are the other two the same bird?

 

[serena933]

Thanks! The first two are a different bird...

 

[The Bird Nuts]

The first two are Lincoln's Sparrows and the last two are Song Sparrows.

 

[serena933]

Front-view photo

Editing the photos further today, the front view of the first bird might look more like song-sparrow. Ebird would not accept as Lincoln's so I am thinking song now. Any thoughts?

 

[The Bird Nuts]

What do you mean eBird will not accept Lincoln's? Did a reviewer contact you or was it just flagged as rare?

 

[Jim M.]

All Song for me; note the thick streaking on all the birds. (Though I'd qualify by saying the quality of the photos of the first bird make me less than 100% certain on it.)

 

[tom baxter]

first two are song sparrows

 

[The Bird Nuts]

The blue-gray face, buffy malar and flanks, gray back that contrasts with the brown wings, and clean streaking on the back all point to Lincoln's. The streaking thickness on the flanks is in range for a Lincoln's as well.

 

[serena933]

Thank you for all of the replies! Ebird (reviewer) will keep a bird on your personal list, but not show on the hotspot when there is a question about the authenticity. No problem since I am not 100% myself, but still think this could possibly be it. Thanks again!

 

[Microtus]

All Song for me too.

 

[The Bird Nuts]

What makes it a Song over Lincoln's for you guys other than the streaking on the flanks (which I mentioned is in range for a Lincoln's)? Also there are already a few reports of Lincoln's in Florida this year (many in Gainesville).

 

[tom baxter]

What makes it a Song over Lincoln's for you guys other than the streaking on the flanks (which I mentioned is in range for a Lincoln's)? Also there are already a few reports of Lincoln's in Florida this year (many in Gainesville).

You made me take another look and I think I was simply careless in my initial id. They are Lincoln’s for the reasons you pointed out as well as the bill shape and size. I think it’s actually pretty definitive, the small triangular and fine pointed bill is not like song sparrow in addition to the streaks on the back and the faint line behind the eye is not as bold as expected in song sparrow. The angle of photo 2 leaves little ambiguity of the bill shape and size and makes me pretty confident.

 

[Microtus]

The first two are Lincoln's Sparrows and the last two are Song Sparrows.

I now agree.

 

[serena933]

Thanks again!