By Casey First
The White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a large, plump sparrow with a striking appearance that is unmistakable. Its face pattern is crisp, marked by a bright white throat, yellow eye spots and a black-and-white striped crown. These birds have deep brown-colored feathers draped over their back and a smoky greyish chest that drops down to a white underbelly.
White-throated Sparrow. David Ballard, artist
Interestingly enough, some members of this species are referred to as tan-striped, as they lack the bright white crown stripe and instead have a much more muted tan-colored one. This difference in appearance is just the beginning, as both the male and the female can assume the identity of white-striped or tan-striped. Due to this genetic mutation and a variation in body, this bird can actually assume the role of four different sexes—but that is for another article! This has been something that ornithologists have marveled over throughout the years.
Native to North America, the White-throated Sparrow breeds in the boreal and mixed forests in Canada, New England and the northern Great Lakes Region. In the winter months, these birds migrate to the eastern US, but can also be found along parts of the Pacific coast, southern Arizona, southern New Mexico and even into parts of northern Mexico. In parts of the Northeast, this sparrow can be seen year-round.
They are often found in flocks, and dwell at the edges of wooded lots and overgrown suburban areas and close to lakes, ponds and dense fields. These sparrows stay close to the ground and can be seen in backyards here in Western North Carolina throughout the winter months. Look for them in thick brushy areas or perhaps scampering along in piles of leaves in search of food. White-throated Sparrows tend to hop as they forage, flicking grasses and ground litter up in hopes of uncovering their next treat.
Their diet varies and consists of seeds and grass, but also fruits. In the summer months in the northern forests, they will also eat smaller insects like centipedes, beetles, flies and spiders. If you want to attract them to your backyard bird feeder, fill it with sunflower hearts, millet, dried mealworms or even dried fruit.
If you are not lucky enough to catch of glimpse of these birds in your backyard, be on the listen for their signature song which is a distinct clear whistle that sounds like “Oh-sweet-Canada-Canada” or, famously, “Po-Old-Sam-Peabody-Peabody.” The song is an even tone that changes slightly in pitch, either up or down on the third succession. During mating, the male may give off a sharp and explosive chink call to alert nearby predators to steer clear of the nest.
The White-throated Sparrow’s nests are typically close to the ground in openings surrounded by the same overgrown, thick vegetation that they forage in. As is the case with most species of birds, Mama sparrow will build her nest alone, collecting grasses, pines, twigs and fur to line her cup-shaped nest. She will lay up to six eggs one or two times during breeding season. She does her best to protect her nest in the surrounding overgrown foliage to ensure her clutches thrive and nestlings survive. In the past 50 years, the White-throated Sparrow population has declined by approximately 30 percent. However, compared to other bird species declines, it is not of serious concern and their numbers remain abundant.
Casey First is owner of North Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited, located at 946 Merrimon Avenue, Suite 120. Monthly bird events are free and open to the public, with no registration required. To learn more, visit NorthAsheville.wbu.com. Artist David Ballard lives in Candler. Find his work on Instagram at d.ballard.art.
