Savannah Sparrows

A few weeks ago Savannah Sparrows started migrating through my area. During the Fall and Winter they are common and easy to locate due to their behavior and preference for open areas. However just because they are easy to find doesn't make them easy to ID. With a just quick glance, they could be mistaken for our resident Song Sparrows, but with a longer look especially at thier head, these two species are easy to separate. As my photos below illustrate, the real problem is the variable appearance found within the species, with about 17 different sub-species currently recognized across North America, several of which migrate through my area, including grayish or reddish colored adults and the Ipswich Sparrow. Until recently the Ipswich Sparrow, which does winter here, was considered to be a distinct species; whereas other currently recognized subspecies like this Belding's Sparrow from Southern California, will probably be split into a separate species in the near future. Amazing how a common, easy to spot bird can be so difficult to identify.



Savannah Sparrow - Grayish Adult


Savannah Sparrow - Reddish Adult


Ipswich Savannah Sparrow

Belding's Savannah Sparrow