Yesterday, I had a trifecta of Zonotrichia sparrows in my viewfinder. These are photos of the three Zonotrichia sparrows that visit Arkansas during the winter.
Adult Harris’s Sparrow – Zonotrichia querula
I was more than thrilled to see an adult Harris’s Sparrow visit the seed feeder area yesterday. I managed to take a few quick images before something startled it, causing it to fly away. Unfortunately, while I was outside, the Harris’s Sparrow didn’t return to the feeder. I wish she or he had.
Snowy adult Harris’s Sparrow in nonbreeding plumage
I don’t know what this sparrow’s name will be in the future, but they were called “Hooded Sparrows” in the past for their black face mask. I’d be fine with that name. I’d also be fine with Black-masked Sparrow or Masked Sparrow.
This sparrow species will probably be renamed because the AOS is planning on removing honorary and eponymous names from birds. Read more on this post of mine: Dozens of American Birds To Be Renamed To Remove English Names
Harris’s Sparrow Images, Facts and Information
For more facts and information on this species, check out my photo gallery. Rather than repeating myself about those facts every time I write about them, I provide the information on my gallery pages.
Adult White-throated Sparrow – Zonotrichia albicollis
White-throated Sparrows have been around since fall here in Arkansas, and I’ve been tickled to have them in my viewfinder. I only saw this species once while I lived in Utah, but they were abundant at my bird feeders in my yard and garden in Virginia during their nonbreeding season.
Snowy adult White-throated Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow songs have delighted me since they returned to Arkansas, and I adore seeing them at the seed feeders and in the recent snow here too.
For more information on this species, click the link below.
White-throated Sparrow Images, Facts and Information
Adult White-crowned Sparrow – Zonotrichia leucophrys
I had been hearing White-crowned Sparrows in the neighborhood, but it took a major snowstorm (for Arkansas) to bring them to the feeders. Although they are abundant across the country, I never take these sparrows for granted.
Actually, I never take any birds for granted.
Snowy adult White-crowned Sparrow
The White-crowned Sparrows coming to the feeders during the snow event here were a real treat for me. They are a handsome sparrow.
If you would like more information about this species, by now, you know what to do!
White-crowned Sparrow Images, Facts and Information
Note: There are two more Zonotrichia sparrows—the Golden-crowned and Rufous-collared Sparrows—neither of which have ranges anywhere near Arkansas.
Rufous-collared Sparrows are Central and South American sparrows, and there are zero eBird records of them in Arkansas.
There are a few scattered eBird records of Golden-crowned Sparrows in states surrounding Arkansas in all directions, but none in the state.
If I ever find a Golden-crowned Sparrow in Arkansas, you know I’ll share that here! I would love to have a Zonotrichia quadfecta!
Life is good.
Mia
All images were taken with a Canon R7, Canon EF 100-400mm II, under mostly cloudy, snowy, and/or foggy conditions. The R7 is a champ.
What a terrific series of Sparrow shots! The detail you captured against such an unforgiving background is amazing. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful. Today I envy your snow AND your sparrows. Ours are imported but are in serious decline and I miss them.
What fun! We have a juvenile White-crowned Sparrow overwintering with the Juncos in Billings, MT. I was so surprised to see it.
Life is beautiful indeed!
Several years ago we were very lucky to have all five of the Zonotrichia at the Red Rocks Park Amphitheater in the foothills just West of Denver. Fond Memory Indeed…