The answer to the question “What sparrow has a white band around its neck?” is the White-throated Sparrow. This medium-sized North American sparrow can be identified by the distinctive white patch on the throat and stripe on the crown.
Sparrows are a group of small seed-eating birds in the passerine family Passeridae. They are abundant songbirds found throughout North America. There are dozens of different sparrow species, varying widely in size, coloration, and habitat.
Some of the most common sparrows spotted at backyard bird feeders include the House Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and White-crowned Sparrow. Each species has unique physical and behavioral traits for identification.
When observing a sparrow with a white stripe around its neck, this clearly distinguishes it as the White-throated Sparrow. Let’s take a closer look at the white-throated sparrow’s distinguishing markings and characteristics.
Unique Identifying Markings
The White-throated Sparrow is a large, round-headed sparrow growing between 15–18 cm in length and weighing around 25–30 g. Its most unique feature is the bright white throat patch on an otherwise gray body. This is how it gets its name.
In addition to the white throat, White-throated Sparrows also have a striking black and white striped crown. Their face is gray, with a neat black stripe running through the eye area and yellow spots above the eye called “lores.”
Their breast is soft gray, sometimes light brownish-gray. The belly is a pale gray or dull white. Their wings and back are a reddish-brown color with streaks.
Male and female White-throated Sparrows have similar plumage. Juveniles have a lighter gray throat and less crisp facial markings until their first molt.
Behavioral Traits and Habits
In addition to visual identification, the White-throated Sparrow exhibits behavior unique from other sparrows. They are large and long-tailed for a sparrow, often feeding on the ground in woodlands. However, they are socially monogamous songbirds and will form mating pairs.
These sparrows forage by scratching in leaf litter with both feet to uncover seeds and insects. Their voice is particularly melodic and includes clear whistles. Their song is often transcribed as “Old Sam Peabody Peabody Peabody.”
They are migratory birds, breeding in Canada and northern parts of the United States. They winter south of Canada across most of the eastern and central United States. Their nests are hidden on the ground or low in coniferous trees.
Similar Looking Sparrows
While the white throat is a distinct field mark of this species, there are a couple other sparrows that may cause confusion due to similar facial patterns. However, none have the bright white throat band.
The White-crowned Sparrow also has a striped black-and-white crown. However, it lacks the white throat and instead has a gray breast and belly with pinkish legs. Its beak is also bright orange.
The Song Sparrow is about the same size as the White-throated Sparrow but has heavier brown streaking on the breast and back. It has a dark brown color on the throat and cheek with a blotchy spot in the center.
Range and Habitat
During the breeding season, White-throated Sparrows occupy forested areas across Canada and the northeastern United States. Some isolated breeding populations may occur further west and south in the Appalachian Mountains.
They prefer coniferous or mixed woodlands with dense undergrowth and are often found along forest edges. Nests are built on or near the ground concealed by shrubs or fallen branches.
In winter, the majority migrates through the eastern half of the U.S. as far south as the Gulf States and Central America. They readily visit backyards and will come to bird feeders for millet, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and other grains.
Population and Conservation Status
The White-throated Sparrow has an extremely large global population estimated between 14 million to 150 million individuals. Partners in Flight estimates a breeding population of 28 million. They are not currently considered threatened or endangered.
Their numbers increased during the 20th century as forests regrew in areas cleared for agriculture. Ongoing threats include the loss of wintering habitat and nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds.
Fun Facts
- White-throated Sparrows get their name from the German term “waldammer” meaning “forest finch.” This refers to their preferred woodland habitat.
- Their black-and-white striped crown may serve a purpose by making the birds more visible as they hop on the dark forest floor. The stripes draw attention.
- This species is particularly prone to leucism, a condition causing a partial loss of pigmentation. White-throated Sparrows with patches of white may occur.
- Banding studies show the oldest known wild White-throated Sparrow was over 13 years old.
- White-throated Sparrows are mentions in poems by Robert Frost and John Greenleaf Whittier.
Conclusion
The White-throated Sparrow is a striking bird that can be readily identified by its bright white throat and bold black-and-white striped crown. This medium-sized songbird breeds across Canada and the northeastern United States, and migrates through eastern states in winter.
While similar in profile to a couple other species like the White-crowned Sparrow, the White-throated Sparrow is the only sparrow exhibiting a distinct white throat patch. Combined with its melodic whistling song, ground-feeding habits, and preferred woodland habitat, the White-throated Sparrow exhibits many unique qualities among its sparrow relatives.
