Song Sparrows are chubby, medium-sized (4.5-7 in) streaky-brown birds with a paler breast with bold brown streaks. They have a dark streak on either side of their beak and often have a dark patch in the centre of their breast.
Song Sparrows are common across North America, but their appearance can vary greatly from one area to another. Pacific Northwest Song Sparrows are dark and heavily streaked, while Song Sparrows in the Southwest desert region are pale.
Song Sparrows spend their summers across Canada and the north-central United States, migrating to the southern United States in winter. They can be found year-round in the western United States and south and east of the Great Lakes.
Song Sparrows make short, fluttering flights pumping their tail up and down. They prefer areas with low shrubs and bushes.
House Sparrows, introduced to North America in 1851, are chunkier (6-6.7 in long) with a shorter tail and stouter beak.
Did you know? Song Sparrows often lay two or more clutches of eggs per season.
See Also: Chipping Sparrow, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow
