Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
Sparrow family (Emberizidae)
A medium-sized sparrow. White breast with brown streaks and a large dark central spot, reddish-brown crown with a gray central stripe, white throat.
Habitat:
Dense thickets with tall grasses and shrubs.
Nesting:
Cup-like nest of grasses placed on the ground. Eggs are greenish white with dark marks. Clutch size – 3 to 5 eggs.
Voice:
Song is a few repeated notes followed by a rich and varied warble. Calls include “tsip” and ”tchump”.
Name Origin:
The genus name Melospiza is from the Greek for "song finch." The species name melodia is from the Greek and Latin for “pleasant song.”
In the Nature Park:
Year-round resident. Common in meadows and shrub thickets.
Photos: