White-Throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Aves › Passeriformes › Passerellidae › Zonotrichia
Conservation status: least_concern
The white-throated sparrow is a passerine bird of the New World sparrow family Passerellidae. It breeds in northern North America and winters in the southern United States.
How To Identify
This sparrow is a relatively small passerine bird with generally muted tones of brown and gray plumage. Its most distinguishing feature is the stark, bright white patch visible on its throat and upper chest.
Habitat
White-throated Sparrows inhabit open woodlands, scrublands, and forest edges across northern North America, preferring areas with low shrubby vegetation and clearings.
Behaviour
These sparrows are highly vocal and perform dawn chorus singing; males establish territories and defend them vigorously, with aggressive interactions sometimes involving physical combat.
Did You Know?
Male White-throated Sparrows sing throughout the day and night during breeding season, and their simple two-note song sounds like "Oh-oh-Canada" to Canadian ears. Interestingly, birds with white head stripes tend to be more aggressive than their tan-striped counterparts, despite both morphs coexisting in the same populations.
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