Bird Of The Week: White-Throated Sparrow
Kai Goldstein | March 25, 2025
White-throated Sparrow || Zonotrichia albicollis
You’re more likely to see these birds in the chillier months of the year due to their breeding grounds being mainly in Canada. You may encounter 2 different morphs of White-throated Sparrow; some are white-striped and some are tan-striped. Individual birds will typically choose a bird of the opposite morph, so there is a consistent population of both. The white-striped ones are in general more aggressive, but this dies down towards the end of the breeding season. These birds usually nest as close to the ground as possible, finding protection in low-growing vegetation. They eat a large variety of seeds, fruits, insects, and in early spring, buds and blossoms. You can distinguish them by their black eyestripe, yellow “eyebrows,” and chocolatey wings. And, of course, the white throat!
