Lincoln's Sparrow

A moderately common Sparrow in Sonoma County in the winter months. Lincoln’s Sparrow starts arriving in the area in mid- to late September. Most are gone by early May the following year. Not normally present in June, July, or August. Likes damp, brushy areas with plenty of low-growing, shrubby cover, but may be found in any open area with patches of overgrown shrubby vegetation for shelter. Tends to stay low and hidden. Will sometimes come out to survey the scene, but generally furtive.

A smallish, prettily colored sparrow. It’s most obvious features at a glance are the finely streaked upper breast and the buff wash on the upper breast and flanks (contrasting with a mostly white belly and vent). Also note the slightly peculiar crested look these birds tend to have. Most field guides show a typically round sparrow head. One or two say that Lincoln’s Sparrow has a crested look “when agitated” (the National Geographic guides, for example), but, in my experience, the slightly crested look is much more common than not. Often the combination of buffy and grey colors and the crested look (the head always appears diamond-shaped to me) are enough to identify a Lincoln’s sparrow without much scrutiny. Taking in details, however, note the comparatively small, slender bill; the fine, pale eyering (not always obvious); clear dark streaking on the back; and the pattern of striping on the head (face looks mostly grey with a reddish-brown eyeline that tends to broaden at the back, but the face is greyer above the eye than below). Crown is reddish brown with very fine black streaking and with a central stripe of grey (although the crown stripe is often not visible from the side). Malar stripe is cream to buff bordered by black. Usually has a dark breast spot, but smaller, finer than typical in Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia). Paler at the throat. Also note collar of grey at the nape.

Juveniles are similar to adults, but with slightly muted colors and more streaking. Can look much like a juvenile Song Sparrow, but Lincoln’s Sparrow has a shorter tail and a more slender bill.