Birds of NA - Bird News, Species Info & FAQs

In the article "Identifying Little Brown Birds at a Feeder," readers will learn about the various little brown birds commonly seen at feeders across the United States. Some of these birds include the House Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, female House Finch, female Purple Finch, female Red-winged Blackbird, female Brown-headed Cowbird, and Bewick's Wren. Each bird is described in terms of their physical characteristics, preferred habitats, feeding behaviors, and unique songs. Whether you are a bird enthusiast or simply enjoy observing wildlife, this article will provide you with valuable insights to help you identify these charming little brown birds at your own feeder. Identifying Little Brown Birds at a Feeder Little brown birds are a common sight at many bird feeders across the United States. While they may seem similar at first glance, each species has its own unique characteristics that can help you identify them. In this article, we will explore some of the most common little brown birds you might encounter at your feeder. House Sparrow The House Sparrow is a small, broad-bodied sparrow with gray plumage and a black mask. They are often seen in urban and suburban areas, and they prefer to eat from the ground or tray feeders. House Sparrows are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of food, but they primarily feed on small seeds like white proso millet. Their song is a series of chirps and trills, and their call is a sharp "chip." Song Sparrow The Song Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow with varying coloration. They can be found in a wide range of habitats, from marshes and meadows to gardens and parks. Song Sparrows forage on the ground, scratching at the leaf litter in search of seeds and insects. Their song is a series of short notes, buzzes, and trills, and they also have a distinctive "chip" call. Fox Sparrow The Fox Sparrow is a large stocky sparrow with regional variation in plumage. They are typically found in scrubby habitats, such as brushy areas and thickets. Fox Sparrows primarily forage on the ground, using their strong, conical beaks to dig and scratch for seeds and insects. Their song is varied, with sliding notes and trills that can be quite melodic. American Tree Sparrow The American Tree Sparrow is a small gray bird with a brown back and wings. They can be found in grassy or weedy habitats near trees, such as fields, meadows, and hedgerows. American Tree Sparrows are often seen in flocks, and they feed on the ground, hopping and scratching to uncover seeds and insects. Their song is a clear sweet descending warble, and their call is a soft "tsit" or "chewink." White-crowned Sparrow The White-crowned Sparrow is slightly larger than some of the other sparrows and has a gray body with a black and white striped crown. They breed in the far north and winter in brushy roadside tangles. White-crowned Sparrows often feed on road edges, where they forage for seeds and insects. Their song is highly varied and can include trills, whistles, and buzzes. White-throated Sparrow The White-throated Sparrow is a sparrow with a white throat bordered by dark gray sides and a brown and white striped head. They breed in forests and winter in dense woodlands. White-throated Sparrows often occur in large flocks and can be seen scratching in the leaf litter for seeds and insects. Their song is a clear, whistled "Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada" and they also have a "chip" call. Golden-crowned Sparrow The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow with a brown body and a bright yellow crown. They breed in Alaska and western Canada and winter along the Pacific coast. Golden-crowned Sparrows can be found in scrubby areas and forest edges. They primarily forage on the ground, searching for seeds and insects. Their song is a series of whistled notes that rise and fall, and they also have a high-pitched "tseet" call. Female House Finch The female House Finch is a small brown bird with streaks and a pale stripe above the eye. They are often seen at feeders alongside their male counterparts. Female House Finches are seed eaters and will feed on a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds and millet. While their song is not as elaborate as the male's, they can still produce a pleasant warbling song. Female Purple Finch The female Purple Finch is a dull brown bird with streaks on its breast and a pale stripe above the eye. They are similar in appearance to the female House Finch, but they have a slightly larger body and a more pronounced beak. Female Purple Finches also feed on a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds and millet. Their song is similar to the male's but softer and more subdued. Female Red-winged Blackbird The female Red-winged Blackbird is a small brown bird with streaks and a pale eyebrow stripe. They are often seen foraging on the ground or perching on cattails and other vegetation. Female Red-winged Blackbirds have a varied diet, including seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. While they do not have a distinct song, they can still produce a series of chattering calls and trills. Female Brown-headed Cowbird The female Brown-headed Cowbird is a plain brown bird with a slightly shorter tail than other sparrow species. They are known for their brood parasitism behavior, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species. Female Brown-headed Cowbirds primarily feed on seeds and grains. They do not have a distinctive song but can produce a variety of calls, including a high-pitched whistle and a low, gurgling sound. Bewick's Wren The Bewick's Wren is a small, brown bird with a long tail that is often held upright. They are commonly found in thickets, woodlands, and gardens. These wrens forage for insects among vegetation and will also eat seeds and berries. Bewick's Wrens have a varied song, with a series of whistled notes and trills. They can also produce a harsh scolding call when agitated. In conclusion, identifying little brown birds at your feeder may seem like a challenge at first, but by paying attention to their physical characteristics, habitat preferences, feeding behavior, and songs, you can become more confident in recognizing the different species. By learning about these fascinating birds, you can further enhance your enjoyment of birdwatching and appreciation for the diversity of life that surrounds us. So, grab your binoculars and get ready to explore the world of little brown birds at your feeder!

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