Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) - 07
Thomson Marsh, Kelowna, BC.
Only this shot has been posted full size.... Click to expand it for enlarged view of plumage details.
"Despite the large differences in size and coloration across the Song Sparrow’s range, genetic divergence is low. High rates of immigration and emigration may keep populations genetically similar, while local selective conditions maintain the physical differences.
Like many other songbirds, the male Song Sparrow uses its song to attract mates as well as defend its territory. Laboratory studies have shown that the female Song Sparrow is attracted not just to the song itself, but to how well it reflects the ability of the male to learn. Males that used more learned components in their songs and that better matched their song tutors (the adult bird they learned their songs from) were preferred." ~ Cornell Lab of Ornithology
For more details, or to refresh your memory:
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) - 07
Thomson Marsh, Kelowna, BC.
Only this shot has been posted full size.... Click to expand it for enlarged view of plumage details.
"Despite the large differences in size and coloration across the Song Sparrow’s range, genetic divergence is low. High rates of immigration and emigration may keep populations genetically similar, while local selective conditions maintain the physical differences.
Like many other songbirds, the male Song Sparrow uses its song to attract mates as well as defend its territory. Laboratory studies have shown that the female Song Sparrow is attracted not just to the song itself, but to how well it reflects the ability of the male to learn. Males that used more learned components in their songs and that better matched their song tutors (the adult bird they learned their songs from) were preferred." ~ Cornell Lab of Ornithology
For more details, or to refresh your memory: