Day 60: Song Sparrow

Song Sparrows are widespread throughout North America, with many subspecies varying by region. They can be found in many different habitats, but prefer brushy areas and marshes. They also have learned to thrive in human and agricultural areas.

Adult Song Sparrows have white underparts with dark streaking and a dark spot in the middle of the breast. They have brown upperparts and a brown cap. Male Song Sparrows use complex songs to show ownership of territory and to attract females. They learn songs from other birds that have nearby territories, which allows a Song Sparrow to address its neighbors with common songs.

Song Sparrow nests are sometimes parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds, another bird I'll blog about eventually. Cowbird eggs look similar to Song Sparrow eggs, but Song Sparrows know that cowbirds are a threat and attack them.