Birds of the Hackensack:

White-throated Sparrow

 

By Ivan Kossak

 

Although common and often overlooked, the White-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) shows a subtle beauty of both plumage and song that can make local and backyard birding so rewarding. Sparrows, in general, are rather small brown birds that are whimsically referred to in birding circles as “LBJ’s” or “Little Brown Jobs.” This affectionate term speaks of the difficulty to observe and identify these rather shy, wary birds. These birds frequent grassy or brushy areas, such as fields, where they are in close proximity to shelter from predators.

White-throats are unusual among sparrows in that they are also often found on the brushy floor of woodland areas. By ducking for cover at the slightest provocation, sparrows and other small drab birds can create identification challenges for the observer. White-throats are no exception to this behavior. However there are two variables that help birders to observe and identify them. First, White-throats tend to accumulate in large flocks. Therefore, some individuals will usually be forced onto more prominent perches, making them more easily seen. Second, White-throats tend to frequent feeders, so they will be out in the open for longer periods of time than they would normally be in the wild. White-throats are also fairly large (for sparrows), measuring six and three quarter inches long.

White-throated sparrows are very common in our area most of the year (Mid-September through Mid-May), but very rarely breed in New Jersey. Most White-throats nest in Canada and in the higher elevations of New England. When White-throats start to be seen in large numbers in New Jersey, it usually means that colder weather is right around the corner. As with other sparrows, White-throats are a striped rusty brown and black on the back and wings. The White-throat’s belly is a dusky light gray that darkens toward the neck, prominently outlining the namesake white throat. On the crown of their head, White-throats sport a series of stripes extending from the forehead to the nape of the neck. White-throats have two different color patterns (known as “morphs”) to their head stripes. Some are a rather dull tan and brown while others are a striking black and white. In both morphs, yellow spots are visible between the bird’s bill and eyes.

White-throated sparrows have a plaintive call that is one of the more recognizable bird songs to many people. The song consists of two drawn out whistles followed by three phrases of three shorter whistles each. The song has been described variously as “Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody” and “Oh, Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada.” The song is heard much more frequently as spring approaches and the birds are preparing to migrate north to their nesting grounds. However, it can be heard occasionally throughout the winter as the birds are “tuning up.” By maintaining a feeder filled with sunflower seeds, you can easily lure these gregarious and active members of our avifauna to your yard where you can enjoy their sweet song as the weather warms and our thoughts turn to spring.