White-throated Sparrow

Start with these clues

Look for a pale throat bordered by gray and a patterned crown.

Relative size

Small

Look around

Shrubs, Lawn

Region and season

Breeds mainly northward and winters across much of the eastern US.

Compare carefully

Song Sparrow typically has more conspicuous breast streaks.

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.