13 replies to this topic

[Platypus]

Hi all! The first bird was seen today and the second bird was seen about a week ago. Both were seen near Montreal, Quebec.

I have more photos of each, though the photo quality for the Wren is far inferior to that of the Sparrow's. Thanks in advance!

#1




#2

[Liam]

Swamp Sparrow and a House Wren.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Swamp Sparrow and a House Wren.

Seconded.

[PoorMatty]

I agree with Swamp Sparrow, but that looks like a Winter Wren to me. Too dark and short-tailed for House.

[Liam]

I was thinking the tail looked a bit long (as did the beak), but you're probably right.

EDIT:. I should add that I just remembered that House Wren don't typically hold their tail upright.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

The posture looks right for a Winter, but wouldn't you expect to see a more obvious, white supercilium?

[ceylon]

Sibley shows a yellowish malar for swamp sparrow. Is the white malar more common or seen on non-breeding?

[Platypus]

Thanks for the responses guys! Here's another shot of the Wren if this helps at all. For what it's worth, I thought it was a Winter Wren.

Sibley shows a yellowish malar for swamp sparrow. Is the white malar more common or seen on non-breeding?

I don't have a guide on me, but looking through a Google Images result for "Swamp Sparrow", it seems that individuals can express either a yellow or white malar. Any chance you could enlighten us on this issue PoorMatty?

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Thanks for the responses guys! Here's another shot of the Wren if this helps at all. For what it's worth, I thought it was a Winter Wren.





I don't have a guide on me, but looking through a Google Images result for "Swamp Sparrow", it seems that individuals can express either a yellow or white malar. Any chance you could enlighten us on this issue PoorMatty?

I was definitely wrong on this one. That picture clearly shows the supercilium to go along with all the other field marks everyone pointed out.

[Platypus]

And here's one last photo of the wren.



EDIT: Thanks for second response BillyPilgrim!

[PoorMatty]

The Swamp Sparrow in these photos is more or less in breeding plumage. I've never noticed a yellow malar on a Swamp Sparrow. Maybe a buffy wash on individual birds. Sometimes there can be quite a yellowish tint in the lores, but when you look closer, again, just a buffy or pale rusty wash. A white malar is typical, especially in breeding plumage.

[Julie H]

My first response was Winter Wren, based on that very short, erect tail and the general small size. (The first time I saw one in my backyard I was surprised at how much smaller it was than the Bewicks I see here.

Julie

[cabirds]

All the House Wren I've seen hold their tail down and then wag it up. And it's much longer in proportion.

[Parula]

I am gonna go with winter wren. because of the tiny tail