Vesper Sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus
Vesper Sparrow, 6/18/05, Sierra Valley, Sierra Co
Vesper Sparrow, singing male, 6/24/06, Calpine at Westside Rds, Sierra Valley, Sierra Co
Note the three the well-known field marks for this species: the white eye ring, the small rufous shoulder patch (a lesser covert, often difficult to see in the field), and the white outer tail feather. The absence of a strong supercilium (eyebrow) helps distinguish Vesper Sparrow from the similar looking Savannah Sparrow.
Vesper Sparrow, 6/18/05, Sierra Valley, Sierra Co
Vesper Sparrow, 6/18/05, Sierra Valley, Sierra Co
Vesper Sparrow, 6/24/06, Calpine and Westside Rds, Sierra Valley, Sierra Co
Vesper Sparrow, carrying food, 6/24/06, Calpine at Westside Rds, Sierra Valley, Sierra Co
Vesper Sparrow, juvenile?, 6/24/06, Calpine at Westside Rds, Sierra Valley, Sierra Co
I'm guessing this one is a juvenile, as the adult markings are present but appear not to be fully developed.
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