Sparrows of the West #7 - Song Sparrow 1153
The Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a medium-sized New World sparrow. Among the native sparrows in North America, it is easily one of the most abundant, variable and adaptable species. Though a habitat generalist, the song sparrow favors brushland and marshes, including salt marshes across most of Canada and the United States. This one was in the marsh at the Carquinez Strait in Martinez, California. It is a native resident, and it is rare to go there without seeing one.
It's beauty, for me anyway, is in its feather patterns on the breast and the eye bar, but it is the song which must have immediately impressed whomever named it. "The sparrow species derives its name from its colorful repertoire of songs. Enthusiasts report that one of the songs heard often in suburban locations closely resembles the opening four notes of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. The male uses a fairly complex song to declare ownership of its territory and attract females."
By the way, the song varies from region to region, and in comparison with other sparrows there are many songs. The Song sparrow in Martinez is different from the one on Mt. Diablo.
I have found differences in coloring from the interior, Mt.Diablo in particular, and the Pacific coast from Elkhorn Slough to Big Sur. I'll get into that tomorrow.
Half my hundred images of this bird are of it singing. This image follows the "rules" that I spoke of yesterday with the White-crowned sparrow at Mt. Rainier.
Sparrows of the West #7 - Song Sparrow 1153
The Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a medium-sized New World sparrow. Among the native sparrows in North America, it is easily one of the most abundant, variable and adaptable species. Though a habitat generalist, the song sparrow favors brushland and marshes, including salt marshes across most of Canada and the United States. This one was in the marsh at the Carquinez Strait in Martinez, California. It is a native resident, and it is rare to go there without seeing one.
It's beauty, for me anyway, is in its feather patterns on the breast and the eye bar, but it is the song which must have immediately impressed whomever named it. "The sparrow species derives its name from its colorful repertoire of songs. Enthusiasts report that one of the songs heard often in suburban locations closely resembles the opening four notes of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. The male uses a fairly complex song to declare ownership of its territory and attract females."
By the way, the song varies from region to region, and in comparison with other sparrows there are many songs. The Song sparrow in Martinez is different from the one on Mt. Diablo.
I have found differences in coloring from the interior, Mt.Diablo in particular, and the Pacific coast from Elkhorn Slough to Big Sur. I'll get into that tomorrow.
Half my hundred images of this bird are of it singing. This image follows the "rules" that I spoke of yesterday with the White-crowned sparrow at Mt. Rainier.