15 replies to this topic

[Wren]

I believe a chipping sparrow, but the "yellow" above the eye doesn't look right. (Usually white?) Also, the grey patch below the eye is usually a lighter grey. This looks as dark as the eye line. Are shadows/light playing tricks on me?



20120919_1b by wren121, on Flickr

Thanks!

[Wren]

Taken this month just north of Atlanta!

[cestma]

Feeling brave here, before the experts chime in. (Or, more likely, while they are.) The last time I tried to make my chipping sparrow into something else, I couldn't find anything similar in which the eyeline extended from the front of the eye to the beak...

(I was looking at what I felt were unusually bold other facial markings, just like you.)

Of course, you probably have more possibilities where you live!

[blackburnian]

agree with chipper, i think

[eripma]

Definitely a Chipping Sparrow.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Agreed, this is a Chippy. Probably just a trick of the light/photo throwing you off.

[LittleBird]

The beak appears bicolored. Isn't that a tree sparrow mark? Is there anything in particular here that rules out a tree sparrow?

[TheBillyPilgrim]

An American Tree Sparrow would be a really good find for either GA or Sept (they are mostly found in northern U.S. states during the winter months). I'm not getting much of the bicolored bill here, but it's a tough angle. I'd expect a Tree to have a bit more buff on the flanks and more red overall, plus most show a dark spot on the breast (although that isn't diagnostic).

[cestma]

The beak appears bicolored. Isn't that a tree sparrow mark? Is there anything in particular here that rules out a tree sparrow?

I would think possibly time of year?

Oops, TBP got there first.

[LittleBird]

Ah, I see. Thank you both for the information.

[eripma]

There are plenty of field marks visible to rule out Tree Sparrow in this photo such as the black eye-line, tan eyebrow, and the gray flanks and sides. All of these field marks fit Chipping perfectly.

[Wren]

Don't most chipping have dark or black bills?

[blackburnian]

agree that this isnt a tree sparrow

[TheBillyPilgrim]

There are plenty of field marks visible to rule out Tree Sparrow in this photo such as the black eye-line, tan eyebrow, and the gray flanks and sides. All of these field marks fit Chipping perfectly.

To be fair, the eye-line on this bird (or at least in this photo) looks quite brownish, which could be taken for the red-brown of a Tree Sparrow. I'm not suggesting its not a Chippy, just pointing out how this single photo could have been confusing on one of the main marks

[psweet]

Chipping Sparrows only have the dark bill during the summer -- when they molt in the fall the bill turns pink.

[Wren]

That makes sense, then!

Thanks everyone!