White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
What it is
The white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a passerine bird of the American sparrow family Passerellidae.
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- During winter, they are common in the eastern and southern United States. In summer, they breed in northern forests.
- How to find it
- Look on the ground under feeders or in dense shrubbery. Listen for their clear, whistling song that sounds like 'Old Sam Pea-body, Pea-body, Pea-body'.
- Best time of day
- Daytime, especially early morning. Most common in fall and winter in many areas.
How it lives
- What it eats
- Seeds, insects, berries.
- What eats it
- Hawks, owls, cats, snakes.
Worth knowing
- They have two different color patterns for their head stripes: white-striped and tan-striped.
- They often scratch the ground with both feet at once to find food.
- Their song can be heard quite a distance away.
- The yellow spot between their eye and beak is called a 'loral spot' and makes them easy to identify.
- Sometimes they sing their full song even in the middle of winter.
- White-throated Sparrows often form flocks with other sparrows and juncos.
Why it matters
These sparrows help spread seeds and eat insects, contributing to forest health. Their presence is a sign of good woodland habitat.