Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia
The Song Sparrow is one of the most widespread and numerous songbirds in North America, and quite variable in appearance over its range, though variation tends to be by degree (clinal) rather than into sharply differentiated subspecies or types. The Song Sparrows of central California, illustrated in the first six images on this page, tend to be darker and colder in color and smaller in size than those in the rest of the country.
Above is the southwestern variation of Song Sparrow, relatively pale and rufous overall.
Above is an eastern Song Sparrow, a type found over much of the country, more rufous
than the birds of central California, but less so than those of the southwest.
Above is a nesting Song Sparrow in Montana west of Yellowstone, carrying food to the nest. Sibley includes Rocky Mountain and Great Basin birds such as this one within the eastern type found across most of the country. He classifies the species into five regional types: eastern, southwestern, Aleutian, Pacific Northwest, and California coast.
Juveniles, above and below, show less sharp striping and a more buffy background color to the body feathers. Both of these birds still show the typical juvenile yellow gape behind the bill.
