Sparrow ID - Missouri (1 Viewer)

[Ozarkian]

I found this guy in a cattail marsh this morning in Southwest Missouri. It took me a bit to get a picture. I have gone back and forth between a Swamp Sparrow (possibly juvenile because of the light streaking on the belly) and a Lincoln's Sparrow. A Lincoln's Sparrow would be uncommon here this time of the year. It could also be a Song Sparrow, but it's a darker and the pattern on the face is different than the other Song Sparrows I see in the area. I would really appreciate a more experienced set of eyes on it.

 

[rkj]

Looks like a Song Sparrow to me.

 

[ensis]

Yep, Song Sparrow.

 

[Butty]

...because...?

 

[rkj]

...because...?

In the second photo enough of the breast can be seen to show distinct dark streaks on a whitish background. Swamp would have a grayer breast with less distinct streaks. Lincoln's breast would have a buffy background color.

 

[Ozarkian]

I'm starting to think Song Sparrow too. If it helps, here is another photo with a bit more view of the breast. It's throwing me for a loop because the song sparrows I usually see around here are so much lighter in color and don't have the ruffed up crown.

 

[KC Foggin]

Yup! Song Sparrow!

 

[Ozarkian]

Song Sparrow it is! Thank you everyone for the help!

 

[Ozarkian]

Ironically . . . I found my Swamp Sparrow this morning in the same location. Ruined a pair of pants wading across the marsh to get photographic evidence.