Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada, is a sound that is easily recognizable by all birders who reside within the White-Throated Sparrows broad range. Considered a favorite bird by many, the White-Throated Sparrow is not only a masterful singer, but a very striking bird with its white or tan head stripes contrasting sharply with its black crown. As its name implies, White-Throated Sparrows have a white throat patch
that makes them easily distinguishable from other sparrows.
White-Throated Sparrows breed in the boreal forests of the northern United States and Canada during the summer. On the breeding ground they utilize mostly edge habitat created by various kinds of wetlands, logging cuts, wildfires, and meadows. White-throated Sparrow nests are constructed by the female and place on the ground in dense vegetation. After breeding is complete, White-Throated Sparrows disperse southward across the lower 48 for winter going as far south as Florida and west as far as California.
During the winter, White-Throated sparrows can be found just about anywhere there is ample food and low vegetation for cover. They are common winter visitors to many folk’s backyards especially if bird feeds are present. White-Throated Sparrows are ground feeding seed eaters and can be abundant underneath bird feeders cleaning up seeds dropped by other birds.
It is believed that there are about 140 million White-Throated Sparrows alive today. Sadly though, there populations are declining. The breeding population in the northern United States has declined by 63% since 1966 and across their entire range White-Throated Sparrows declined 35% during that same period. These numbers are indicative of the population shifting northward into Canada, and out of their breeding sites in the northern United States. Giving the adaptability and extensive range of these dynamic little birds it is fair to say that despite these declines the White-Throated Sparrow will be gracing our woodlands for many years to come.
Quick Notes
Common Name: White-Throated Sparrow
Scientific Name: Zonotrichia albicollis
Identifying Marks: White throat patch and white or tan head stripes are identifying marks. Chest is grayish in color.
Notes: Be careful not to mistake the White-Throated Sparrow with the White-Crowned Sparrow. Their head stripes can appear similar. White-Crowned Sparrows are larger, and do not have a white throat patch. Their plumage is also lighter in tone