White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
The White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a small, striking bird known for its distinctive white throat and two unique morphs, which exhibit intriguing mating behaviors by pairing only with the opposite morph. This adaptable species thrives in dense vegetation, feeding on seeds, insects, and berries, and migrates southward during the winter months.
| 🇫🇷 | Bruant à gorge blanche |
| 🇩🇪 | Weißkehlammer |
| 🇲🇽 | Chingolo gorgiblanco |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
How to Identify
The White-throated Sparrow is named for its distinctive white throat. Look for a yellow stripe above the eye, followed by a black stripe, and a white stripe in the middle of the head. The other morph has head stripes that are more brownish.
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Characteristics
| Length | 15-19cm |
| Weight | 22-32g |
| Wingspan | 23cm |
| Clutch Size | 1-6 eggs |
| Incubation | 11-14 days |
| Fledging | 7-12 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Resources
Where and When to Spot
The White-throated Sparrow can be observed throughout the spring, summer, and autumn. While most individuals migrate south for the winter, there have been occasional sightings, such as a lone sparrow observed at a feeder in Park Mont-Royal during the winter months.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | - | - | - | x |
| Parc Angrignon | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
| Parc des Rapides | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.