Ornithological Lesson - Winter Sparrows Traditional Cache

This is part of a bird oriented series that concentrates on species that occur in the central part of the state at least for part of the year (this one is primarily for the winter season).

New World Sparrows are a large, diverse subfamily in North America. Most sparrows are associated with grassy habitats and in general sexes are similar in appearance. Typically they are small, drab, brownish birds with streaked plumage. Sparrows feed primarily on seeds and insects found the ground often staying well hidden.

 Central Louisiana provides habitat for more species in winter, at least nine species are fairly common. Species most likely to be observed included White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerine), Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), Savannah Sparrow (Passercolus sandwichensis), Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza geogiana), Vesper Sparrow (Poocetes gramineus) and Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis). Other less common species that could be observed are Lincoln’s Sparrow ((Melospiza lincolnii), Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliacia), Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannareum), and Harris Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula).