Adults

Description

Size:  6.25”

Plumage/Description:  Male and Female plumage similar.  Generally characterized by overall rufous streaking, down the back, breast, belly and flanks.  Head and back gray with rufous streaking.  Wings and tail are a rich brown, even a rufous color.

Habitat:  Riparian/Deciduous

Time of year:  Winter

Relative Abundance:  Fairly common

Behavior:  A rare visitor to backyard bird feeding stations unless your home is situated adjacent to a wetlands habitat.  This species prefers the margins around lakes, ponds, and streams.  Song Sparrows are real skulkers and are frequently heard more often than seen.

Diet:  Seeds, insects

Similar species:  Lincoln’s Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow

Best Sites:  Pine Lakes, Willow Lake environs, Watson Woods, Granite Creek.