Scientific Name:   Zonotrichia albicollis

Length:   6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)

Weight:   0.8-1.1 oz (22-32 g)

Wingspan:   7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)

Nest:   Female White-throated Sparrows put their nests on or just above the ground, typically in level areas in clearings with dense ground vegetation. The nest is usually built under shrubs, grasses, or ferns, sometimes even beneath dead vegetation from the previous year. The male sings to defend nesting territory.

Eggs:   4-5, sometimes 3-6, rarely 2-7. Pale blue or greenish blue, marked with reddish brown and lavender. Incubation is by female only, about 11-14 days.

Feeding Behavior:   hese birds forage on the ground under or near thickets or in low vegetation by kicking backward with both feet simultaneously. They mainly eat seeds, insects and berries, and are attracted to bird feeders. Blackberries, grapes, and rose hips are some fruits they eat. One of its favorite seeds is millet, but it will also feed on black oil sunflower and different seeds.

Young:   Both parents feed nestlings. Young usually leave nest 8-9 days after hatching, are tended by parents for at least 2 more weeks. 1-2 broods per year.

Range:   In winter, this species migrates to the southern and eastern United States, but some populations stay year-round. They are differential migrants with females migrating farther, increasing the proportion of females at lower latitudes in the Atlantic flyway. White-throated sparrows inhabit coniferous or deciduous forests, along edges of woodlots, shrubland, hedgerows, suburbs, and urban areas.

Brief Description:   There are two adult plumage variations known as the tan-striped and white-striped forms. On the white-striped form the crown is black with a white central stripe. On the tan form, the crown is dark brown with a tan central stripe. The ears are gray/light brown with the upper edge forming a brown eye line. Both variations feature dark eyes, a white throat, and gray bill.