Bird Guide

Fox Sparrow vs Lincoln's Sparrow

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

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Adults are among the largest New World sparrows, heavily spotted and streaked underneath. All feature a messy central breast spot though this is less noticeable on the thick billed and slate-colored varieties. Plumage varies markedly from one group to another. Measurements: Length: 15–19 cm (5.9–7.5 in) Wingspan: 26.7–29 cm (10.5–11.4 in) Weight: 26–44 g (0.92–1.55 oz)

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Fox Sparrow
Recorded by Doug Hynes · Song · Little Mecatina River, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Fluit · CC BY 4.0
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

Small17 gWetland

Adults have dark-streaked olive-brown upperparts and a light brown breast with fine streaks, a white belly, and a white throat. They have a brown cap with a grey stripe in the middle, olive-brown wings, and a narrow tail. Their face is grey with brown cheeks, a buffy mustache, and a brown line through the eye with a narrow eye ring. Males and females are alike in plumage. They are somewhat similar in appearance to the song sparrow although smaller and trimmer with finer breast streaks. Voice: Lincoln's sparrow is a very secretive species; they are often not seen or heard even where they are common. Only the males are known to sing and their song is unique among the Melospiza genus. They produce a sweet, wrenlike, gurgling song with varied frequencies.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Lincoln's Sparrow
Recorded by Doug Hynes · Song · Terra Nova (Village), Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: TRinaud · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Fox Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow.