A Bit More Sparrow Speak
The American Tree Sparrow has an unstreaked breast with a distincive black central spot, gray head and rusty crown and ear stipe. The white wing bars and unique two-toned beak (black on top and yellow below) help distinguish this sparrow from the others. It is found in fields, weedy woodland edges, marsh edges gardens and roadside thickets.
Despite its common name, it forages on the ground, nests on the ground, and breeds primarily above treeline in the far North. They are common backyard visitors during the winter months, and they love the ground platform feeders and are often seen at the heated bird bath.
The Fox Sparrow has a striking rusty body and tail, heavily streaked breast and gray rump. It is found in woodland thickets, weedy pastures and brushy roadsides. Its vigorous “double-scratching,” kicking backward in ground litter with both feet to uncover food, often draws attention to its presence under a bird feeder. They are not a real common visitor in the winter. They are among the migrants or wintering birds and seek a warmer climate.