Tuesday, March 31, 2015

White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
While found throughout most of eastern and southern North America, the White-throated Sparrow breeds mostly in Canada. The yellow lores and white throat are characteristic of both genders, but the black and white streaks may instead be shades of tan. The persistence of the two color morphs can be attributed to the pairing of opposite color morphs during breeding season. In winter, white-throated sparrows can be found near the coasts and in dry deserts, but they are mainly found in coniferous and deciduous forests.

Although out of focus, facial markings are clearly distinguished.
White-throated sparrows are omnivores with a varied diet, but mainly consumes insects during breeding season, fruits during fall, and seeds during winter. During migration, they will flock with other sparrows as well as juncos. Although they aren't too closely related, there are reports of hybrids between white-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos. They sing their clear, whistled song all times of the year.

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