Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)

Dare Co., NC 11/10/07.

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)

Chatham Co., NC 5/6/2012.

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)

Savannah Sparrows are common winter birds in North Carolina, especially in large open fields and along the coast. Compare with the large, pale race that winters along the immediate coast, the Ipswich Sparrow.

Savannah Sparrows are fairly easy to identify, with yellowish on the face, particularly above the eye, and fine brown streaking on the breast. The yellowish eyebrow is not always immediately apparent. The bird at left is the same individual as the right bird in the photo at top.

Dare Co., NC 11/10/07.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.