Chippy vs Clay-colored

[Dan Busby]

I could use some help in the ID of this bird as I have had mixed opinions. Sorry for low quality - it was taken through a window. I have other shots if they are needed.

Place: Dundas, southern Ontario
Date: 20 November 2010

Thanks,
Dan

[Jeff Dyck]

With the buff streaked crown and light, pale lores I would identify this as a Clay Coloured Sparrow. If you have a shot from the back, you can also check the rump (Clay Coloured Sparrow will have a brownish rump vs. the Chipping Sparrow's greyish rump).

[Dan Busby]

Thanks Jeff. I have shots from the back but the bird would not "open up" the wings so I could not get a good look at the rump - I tied all day to get that shot!

[Paul Guris]

I agree with Jeff. The lack of dark lores make this look like Clay-colored rather than Chipping.

[Dan Busby]

Thanks Paul - my opinion too.

[John Chardine]

Hey Dan- Coming in late on this one but I think young Chippys have fine streaks on their breast, so another vote for CCSP.

[Paul Guris]

Hey Dan- Coming in late on this one but I think young Chippys have fine streaks on their breast, so another vote for CCSP.

Actually, the juveniles of both species have streaked breasts. By late summer or early fall the young of both species have molted out of their juvenile plumage into their first winter plumage, and both species are clear breasted.