This image was taken in New Mexico near the Mexican border...thought it might be a Vesper but no white on the tail...I'm not sure maybe a Clay-colored or Brewers but sparrows are a nightmare for me...tried to recover image best I could sorry about the crappy quality.
Hey Paul- I am no expert on NA sparrows, but that never stopped me from commenting before!
I agree the three species you mention look like good candidates. The prominent feature of your bird is the wide, dark lateral throat stripe, which the Brewer's and Clay-colored do not show (they have stripes but not as wide). The Vesper however, does have this feature, so I would say Vesper. The picture in Sibley matches your bird quite well. I used to see these guys quite often in Ontario but haven't seen one in ages now. I know they are in decline.
The nape of your bird looks streaked which rules out Clay-colored, and I think the bill looks too big for a Brewer's.
BTW, never made it to Ottawa last month- my trip was cancelled. Must get down sometime though. Let me know when you are next in the Maritimes!
Everything about it looks Vesper to me, especially the prominent pale eye-ring and the U-shaped dark mark on the face. There's actually a hint of white in the outer tail feathers, but it may have its tail folded, which would explain why it's not more prominent.
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