Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida)

A small sparrow, commonly breeds in the eastern section of the Province. Migratory, migrates south to central Mexico for the winter. Would be expected to be seen in checklist area during spring and fall migration but records exist from summer in the checklist area. Adult engages in distraction display to lure predators away from the nest. This behaviour is uncommon among songbirds.

Similar species:
Such as the case with sparrows, identification can be tricky especially with juveniles and non-breeding plumaged adults. Smaller, more buffy and lacking (as adult) streaking on the breast helps rule out Song Sparrow. Chipping and Brewer’s Sparrows pose the most difficulty. On non-breeding adults, watch for the warm buffy breast as opposed to browner-grey that gives a cooler apperance on Chipping and Brewer’s. The central median stripe on the crown is distinct. Face pattern, while subtle, can aid in telling the three apart as well. See photos below.

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)

Noteworthy Data

Photos