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View Full Version : Sparrow? ID help please!


Julie Brown
10-24-2010, 08:33 PM
Date: 8/21/10
Location: Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis, IN
environment: tall grasses; low shrubs and trees; edge of woods

I've looked at all of the sparrows in the Sibley Guide and online and can't come up with a firm ID. I am also curious about the raised crest.:confused:

Any info is appreciated!
Jim Buescher
10-24-2010, 09:07 PM
Looks like a Field Sparrow with a mohawk!
Julie Brown
10-24-2010, 09:26 PM
Jim, that is what I have been thinking it was, but the "mohawk" confused me!
John Chardine
10-25-2010, 10:13 AM
Many sparrows raise their crests as a behavioural signal. I am not sure of all the contexts but I know males do it when they are interacting with other males in territorial disputes, and similarly when they are reacting to playback of another male's song and call.
Julie Brown
10-25-2010, 05:53 PM
Thanks for that info John. There were a number of the birds at this spot and they did not seem to mind my presence.
John Chardine
10-25-2010, 07:58 PM
Makes sense Julie. They react like this to others of their own species, not to you.
Julie Brown
10-25-2010, 10:10 PM
I have another question, if anyone can answer it: don't field sparrows have a white eyering? I think that is one of the reasons I have had such a difficult time with the ID of this bird. Here is an image of a field sparrow I took at the same park in May of this year, and I did not have trouble identifying this one. Also, the bills on these two birds look different to me.