How to Identify a White-Throated Sparrow

What Does a White-Throated Sparrow Look Like?

Courtesy Olivia Gallagher

Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “Clues to help you identify a white-throated sparrow include the small white throat patch, the yellow in front of the eye, and the rich reddish-brown on the shoulder and wing. Some white-throated sparrows have bold stripes of white and black on the head. Others have stripes of tan and dark brown.

People used to think that the tan-striped birds were young ones. But that’s not necessarily true. About half of all adult white-throated sparrows, both males and females, are tan-striped for life.”

White-throated sparrows measure 6-3/4 inches with a wingspan of 9 inches. When identifying sparrows, take note of face pattern, any streaking on the belly, and habitat.

Meet the white-crowned sparrow.

White-Throated Sparrow Song

Courtesy Nancy Tully

White-throated sparrows sing a pretty, pure whistling song. While some birders hear Oh sweet Canada Canada Canada, others think it sounds more like Old Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody.

Bird songs provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Listen for the sweet sounds of a song sparrow.

Nests and Eggs

This sparrow builds a nest from fine materials on or near the ground; the female lays three to six blue to green eggs with reddish-brown specks.

Discover fascinating sparrow facts you should know.

What Does a White-Throated Sparrow Eat?

Courtesy Dean Tyler

White-throated sparrows adore sunflower seeds and millet. You can also attract these birds by offering cracked corn. These lively birds grab seed from feeders or peck for morsels on the frosty ground below.

Away from feeders, they eat weed seeds, fruits, buds and insects.

Wren vs sparrow: what bird are you seeing?

Range Map and Habitat

Courtesy Stuart Fiedler

These birds are common in gardens, residential areas, woodlands and clearings. White-throated sparrows are commonly seen in the East, but are much less common in the West.

Range maps provided by Kaufman Field Guides, the official field guide of Birds & Blooms.

Next, discover learn all about dark-eyed juncos.

About the Experts

Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman are the official bird experts for Birds & Blooms. They are the creators of the Kaufman Field Guide series and they lead birding trips all over the world.

Sources

• All About Birds – white-throated sparrow
• National Audubon Society – white-throated sparrow