Song Sparrow

Start with these clues

Look for coarse breast streaks and a relatively long tail.

Relative size

Small

Look around

Shrubs, Lawn, Pond

Region and season

Widespread; plumage and seasonal presence vary.

Compare carefully

White-throated Sparrow adults usually show a clearer throat patch.

A photograph shows one individual and one view. Check several features, the date and a regional guide before settling on an identification.

Read the Audubon species account for fuller range, behavior and identification context.