Song Sparrows, as their name implies, are often one of the first species to greet the day and one of the last to end the day’s activity with a song. Almost invariably their song begins with two to four regularly spaced notes, then a trill followed by a jumble of notes. The consensus is that no two individuals sing exactly the same song. The beginning birder tends to confuse the song of the Song Sparrow with that of the Vesper Sparrow.

Song Sparrows have a distinctive, long rounded tail. Streaks on the sides and the upper breast usually surround a brownish spot in the center of the breast. Its grayish eyebrow is pronounced along with a broad , dark malar stripe and whitish throat. Underparts are whitish with streaks on the sides. Feet and legs are pinkish.

That being said, the Song Sparrow is one of the most widespread, diverse, and possibly physically varied, depending on geographical location, of North American birds. The literature reveals that there are about 34 subspecies that range from the Aleutian Islands into the Northwest Territories of Canada, east to the Atlantic, and southward to the plateaus of central Mexico.

Song Sparrows are one of the first species to return in the spring. Earliest arrival date in Leelanau is March 2. Most have gone south by Thanksgiving. Latest recorded departure date from Leelanau County is December 30. Though some Song Sparrows do spend the winter in Leelanau, such occurrences are rare.

Song Sparrows live and nest in dense vegetation, brushy areas, streamside and coastline thickets, on forest edges, in clearings, bogs, marsh edges, and gardens. They live on the edge of but never within forested areas.

Ornithological studies reveal that Song Sparrows, like most other breeding birds, use increasing day length, local temperature, and food abundance as indicators to cue when to come into breeding condition. The male Song Sparrow uses its song to attract mates as well as defend its territory. Males usually are found singing their melodic trill from an elevated perch. Females generally stay hidden.

Courting males will chase females fluttering their wings, often sailing and singing and flying from perch to perch with neck outstretched, head and tail held high, and wings vibrating.

The first nest is usually close to the ground and sometimes used twice. Later nests are usually built higher. Usually this species raises 2-3 broods ….sometimes as many as 4. The female broods the young. The male often takes charge of offspring when young fly well and female begins the next clutch.

Some pairs stay together in successive years.

Unfortunately, along with the Vesper Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, and Indigo Bunting, the Song Sparrow is one of the most frequent Cowbird hosts. Its abundance is a function of the fact that the cowbird usually parasitizes only the first brood.

Probably the most widespread sparrow, Song Sparrows commonly visit feeders and are responsive to pishing. Their diet is primarily seeds, insects, and some berries.

~ bob c.