White Throated Sparrow Bird

White-Throated Sparrows are Often seen in Backyard

s and at bird feeders throughout all of the Eastern United States from late fall until mid-spring. Adults sport yellow lores streaked crowns and what you

would expect to see the white or whitish-colored throats. When you visit bird feeders you’ll likely notice them bowing to larger birds, like Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, and Eastern Towhees however, they will also be seen chasing chickadees.  Bluebird Meaning They are often found swaying around through the leaf litter close to the Song Sparrows or the Dark-eyed Juncos.

White-throated Sparrows come in two different color varieties that differ in head color, the white and brown-striped species. The distinct plumages of the birds are not tied to gender or age like it is for many species of birds.

One Species, Two Morphs

Adult White-throated Sparrows are polymorphic and occur in two different plumage types or varieties of white stripes (bright) or tan-striped (dull). In white-striped individuals their supercilium (eyebrow) and the central crown stripe are white. the areas around them are tan in those with tan stripes. The birds with white stripes are grayer and have clearer white throats.

Female and male White-throated Sparrows can be dull or bright with equal amounts of both morphs found. Incredibly, opposites attract: Females with bright eyes tend to mat with dull males and

reverse. Males with white stripes and females tend to be more aggressive than birds with tan stripes However, birds of the dull type are more attentive to their offspring. Therefore, it’s an appropriate couple.

Singing a Different Song

A lot of North American birders are familiar with the unique and memorable tune of the White-throated Sparrow: “Old Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody,” or “Oh, Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada,” but the song is

evolving just in front of our ears. A shortened version of the triplet repeated (“Peabody” (or “Canada”) emerged west of the Canadian Rockies about two decades back. The vocalization trend has expanded

into White-throated Sparrow populations in many areas across the globe. If you’re in this species that is in the wintering, migration, or breeding areas, be sure to keep your ears alert to listen for “Old Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody,” or even a smaller version of “Oh Sweet Can.” Also, listen out to its sharp, booming call that is similar to the call in The Northern Cardinal.

A North American Original

It is native To North America, this distinctive sparrow is found in coniferous and mixed forests in the majority of Canada across New England, and as far south as northern Pennsylvania as well as within the

Northern Great Lakes region. It is found across south-eastern Arizona through Nova Scotia and south into central Florida and has a tiny number of individuals along south along the Pacific Coast. There are some individuals that appear in northern Mexico close to bordering the

U.S. border. In the winter months, the White-throated Sparrow populations are the highest in the East particularly in the Southeast However, during migration, it often is seen within areas of the Great Plains.

Reaching for a Bud … or a Seed or an Insect …

The White-throated Swallow eats tiny fruits, seeds, and buds and if they are it is available insects. It grazes mostly in the dirt, however, it can be found can also be found in small bushes, or in some of the branches

that are lower in evergreens. When you are on the ground look out for its quick double-footed kick. It is which is used to swat away leaves as it scratches to find seeds. It chases crawling insects but also captures flying insects. 

The most popular seed it eats at the feeding stations is millet however it will also consume black oil sunflower as well as other seeds.

The Business of Nesting

Monogamous in their social life The White-throated Sparrow’s bond typically lasts throughout the breeding season but not always over the course of a year. Male White-throated Sparrows come back to

their breeding areas to establish nesting territories around the clock, Belgian Malinois German Shepherd Mix usually two weeks prior to the arrival of females. They form pairs quickly, and males and females often go foraging together. Females are the

only ones who build the nest, which is open and cup-shaped and placed on the ground or close to it and is surrounded by vegetation typically along the edge of a thicket. Materials for nesting include grasses pine needles, twigs wood chips along with deer fur.