8 replies to this topic

[hbvol]

When I first saw this guy he didn't look like any of the other usual suspects in my backyard, but looking at the photo again I suspect I have another song sparrow.  The song sparrow that was under the feeder at the same time looked much browner and had more streaking on the breast.

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[Sparky the Cuttlefish]

I'd agree with Song, based on the dark central breast patch.

[PoorMatty]

Yep, Song Sparrow.

[hbvol]

How variable is this species?  This bird seemed much redder and had less streaking than the song sparrow that has been in my yard all month.

[Platypus]

limpkin:

I'd agree with Song, based on the dark central breast patch.<br>

I'm sure you know this, but don't just go on that because Savannah and Lincoln's Sparrows can show the central patch as well.

hbvol:

How variable is this species?  This bird seemed much redder and had less streaking than the song sparrow that has been in my yard all month.

In terms of red/brown colouration and streaking, they are very variable.  Throws me for a loop when I go from Montreal to BC. 

Completely off-topic question: Sometimes I have a feeling that people here think I'm a dunce because I randomly put 'u's in my words, when it's just the Canadian spelling (like 'colouration' above).  Is it well-known to Americans that the UK and Canada spell words differently?

[Sparky the Cuttlefish]

ThePurplePlatypus:

I'm sure you know this, but don't just go on that because Savannah and Lincoln's Sparrows can show the central patch as well.

 

Yes, yes, I do, I'm just no good at describing my identification process (speaking of which, I actually think I used the "dark breast patch" mark among other things to describe a Savannah Sparrow last night. I think I need to work on being specific).

ThePurplePlatypus:

Completely off-topic question: Sometimes I have a feeling that people here think I'm a dunce because I randomly put 'u's in my words, when it's just the Canadian spelling (like 'colouration' above).  Is it well-known to Americans that the UK and Canada spell words differently?

Heck, I don't even notice, but that might be because I'm from the UK originally and I tend to alternate spellings without noticing. I tend to spell gray with an "E", myself. It shouldn't really matter, I think.

[Paruula]

ThePurplePlatypus:

Completely off-topic question: Sometimes I have a feeling that people here think I'm a dunce because I randomly put 'u's in my words, when it's just the Canadian spelling (like 'colouration' above).  Is it well-known to Americans that the UK and Canada spell words differently?

I think it's pretty well known, yeah.  I was born and raised here, and I didn't know spelling "moustache" and "traveller" was wrong by American English standards until, like, two months ago.   (It involved murderous feelings toward my word processor.  Smug little...)  That said, there are a few alternative spellings that make me do a double take.  Like "gaol" and "kerb".  Scary.

 Edit: Also, the dunce thing should not be a concern, because British spellings are often used here to make things seem ritzier and more sophisticated.  I see more "theatres" than "theaters" these days. :P

[Grandpa577]

It's a kind of gray area.

[Platypus]

limpkin:

Heck, I don't even notice, but that might be because I'm from the UK originally and I tend to alternate spellings without noticing. I tend to spell gray with an "E", myself. It shouldn't really matter, I think.

I don't think it matters either, so I'm glad others don't seem to think it does.  Was just wondering if the knowledge that Canada/UK spelt words differently was widespread in the States.  I find it hard to believe when I meet Americans that don't know what the metric system is.

Paruula:

I think it's pretty well known, yeah.  I was born and raised here, and I didn't know spelling "moustache" and "traveller" was wrong by American English standards until, like, two months ago.   (It involved murderous feelings toward my word processor.  Smug little...)  That said, there are a few alternative spellings that make me do a double take.  Like "gaol" and "kerb".  Scary.

 Edit: Also, the dunce thing should not be a concern, because British spellings are often used here to make things seem ritzier and more sophisticated.  I see more "theatres" than "theaters" these days. :P

I didn't even know what a 'gaol' or 'kerb' was!  Learn something new every day.

Grandpa577:

It's a kind of gray area.

Are you sure you don't mean 'grey' area :P.