Western Montana--all vesper sparrows? (1 Viewer)

[montanawildlives]

I've grouped these to the best of my (weak) ability as likely vesper sparrows mostly based on the brown shoulder patch and white eye ring, possibly also beak structure and size, but some of them look so different from the others that I am having a hard time reaching a reasonably certain level of confidence that they hang together as a species.

Thanks!



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[rkj]

I think they all look good for Vesper Sparrow. The differences in appearance may be due to differences in lighting and photo artifacts.

 

[AveryBartels]

Yep, all great photos of Vesper Sparrows!

 

[montanawildlives]

Awesome, thanks! I am usually so clueless about bird IDs (especially sparrows) that I feel good about seemingly nailing this set!

 

[qwerty5]

Another good field mark for Vesper is the cheek patch, showing a dark outline and pale center.

 

[KC Foggin]

Fantastic images of these Vesper Sparrows and a good I D on your own!!

 

[Butty]

good field mark for Vesper is the cheek patch, showing a dark outline and pale center

Aren't there a few American sparrows that show that? - song sparrow for starters - and buntings.

 

[Microtus]

All Vesper Sparrows

 

[qwerty5]

Aren't there a few American sparrows that show that? - song sparrow for starters - and buntings.

Yes and no. Sibley does show that Song Sparrow has similar markings. I couldn't see it on either of the Song Sparrows at my feeders this morning. I think even if some Song Sparrows do show it, it is not near as obvious as Vesper Sparrow, especially since Sibley, Kaufman, and others highlight auricular pattern as a good field mark.

 

[montanawildlives]

Thanks everyone!