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Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
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uses bird feeders
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FIELD MARKS
The Song Sparrow's appearance varies greatly over its range, with west
coast birds being some what darker. The top of its head is brown with
some black streaks. It has a dark brown stripe behind its eyes and a greyish-white
line over them. The rest of its upperparts are brown with black streaks.
The breast is white streaked with brown, and has a dark brown central
breast spot. The Song Sparrow gets its name from its very melodious song.
During the breeding season you can distinguish the Song Sparrow from the
similar looking Fox Sparrow by it's long beautiful song . At other times
of the year they can be separated apart by the distinctive yellow colour
of the Fox Sparrow's lower bill. Approximate length: 14 cm
FOOD
Their main diet is of seeds and insects as well as some berries. They
are also known to feed on crustaceans and other marine and aquatic life.
They commonly frequent bird feeders in the winter.
HABITAT
This sparrow lives in a variety of habitats. It can be found around marshes,
gardens, brushy fields, woodland edges and along the sides of streams.
NESTING
The Song Sparrow builds its nest on the ground, under a clump of grass.
The nest can also be found high up in shrubs or low trees and sometimes
in cavities in trees. The nest is made of weeds, grass, leaves and bark,
lined with hair and fine grass. The female lays 3-5 pale green eggs with
many reddish-brown spots.
STATUS
Common and widespread overall, but some local populations on the west
coast are declining due to habitat loss.
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