typical adult; no sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2006-09-18)


Savannah Sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis

Native Range: North America and Middle America

Notes: resembles Song Sparrow but less heavily streaked and with paler legs and yellowish lores and eyestreak; prefers grassy or barren habitats, often foraging in flocks; shows much geographic variation in plumage; the rather dark Belding's race (mostly pictured here) is listed as an endangered species in California.

Belding's race; streaked breast; yellow lores (California, USA; 2006-04-16)
Belding's race, dorsal view (California, USA; 2006-04-16)

Belding's race; yellow lores, eye-streak (California, USA; 2009-02-12)
typical race; lighter streaking underneath (California, USA; 2007-11-23)

typical race; white median crown stripe (California, USA; 2011-10-11)
typical race; pale flesh-toned legs (California, USA; 2011-10-11)

large-billed race; large bill with curved culmen (California, USA; 2011-10-11)
large-billed race, showing off bill (California, USA; 2011-10-11)

large-billed form, showing off bill (California, USA; 2011-10-11)
Belding's race; streaked on back (California, USA; 2007-05-07)

Belding's race; posing for a portrait (California, USA; 2008-02-09)