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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. VIII
Field-journal plate: White-throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate VIII

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

Passerellidae · Taxon 9184

Length6.3–7.1 in (16–18 cm)
Wingspan7.9–9.1 in (20–23 cm)
Weight0.8–1.1 oz (22–32 g)

Field marks

  1. Large, full-bodied sparrow with a rounded head, fairly prominent conical bill, long legs, and a long narrow tail.
  2. Crisp white throat, sharply bordered by dark malar (whisker) stripes.
  3. Bold head pattern: black-and-white crown and eyebrow stripes, or a softer tan-and-brown striped form.
  4. Bright yellow lores between the eye and bill.
  5. Brown, streaked back and wings with pale wing bars; underparts gray to pale gray.
  6. Gray bill and pinkish legs.

HabitatForests and woodland edges, brushy regrowth, thickets, and pond or bog margins; also uses low shrubby cover and open ground nearby for foraging.

BehaviorGround-foraging sparrow that scratches through leaf litter for seeds, berries, and invertebrates; often feeds in flocks and sings a clear, whistled song.

Palette

white throatcharcoal graychestnut brownblackbright yellow