In search of food.
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrows literally sang themselves into a name, for few birds sing so persistently. To Thoreau these birds seemed to say: “Maids! maids! maids! hang up your teakettle-ettle-ettle.” To you it may sound differently, but you still will hear the sharp notes with which he starts his song. These are on the same pitch with a slight pause between each note. From there, the song is variable and may contain trills or assorted notes on various pitches. One bird may produce several different songs.
These birds prefer brushy or weedy areas near water but may nest near your home if a bird bath is handy. No other bird seems to take as much pleasure from bathing.
There are numerous geographic forms of this bird, which accounts for wide variation in colors and sizes. The Desert Song Sparrow is light while others are almost as rusty as Fox Sparrows. All Song Sparrows are heavily striped, and show a distinct spot in the center of the breast, and a dark line on each side of the throat. There is a gray stripe thru the crown and a broader line over the eyes.
They usually migrate in March and October but wintering birds often are found in the nesting range.
It’s plain to see
Why you’re so clean.
You take a bath