White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis · New World Sparrows
The White-throated Sparrow is a common and widespread New World sparrow, recognized by its distinctive head patterns and clear, whistled song. These birds exhibit two color morphs, white-striped and tan-striped, which occur in both sexes and influence their behavior. They are a familiar sight in many North American habitats, from northern forests to suburban edges.
Explore the full field guideMigratoryMedium-sizedWhistled songOmnivorous
8 calls·first heard Jul 1·last 2d ago
When it's heardpeak 7a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Adults display either bold black and white stripes or more subdued brown and tan stripes on their heads.
- A prominent, bright white throat patch is a key feature, often bordered by thin dark malar stripes.
- A small, bright yellow patch is visible between the eye and the bill in adults.
- The bill is typically dark gray.