ID Please

Diane Miller · Mar 11, 2015

Taken today, north of Santa Rosa, CA -- about 60 mi NW of San Francisco. It was attracted to some bird seed I was tossing out. My best guess (which is about worthless as I'm in preschool as a birder) is a Hermit Thrush. Didn't hear any calls. It was just about the same size as some Golden-crowned Sparrows that were also scarfing up the seeds.

Roy Priest · Mar 11, 2015

With the chevrons it looks like a Fox Sparrow.

Jackie Schuknecht · Mar 11, 2015

I was thinking Fox Sparrow too. They come this way when they are migrating.

Daniel Cadieux · Mar 11, 2015

100% Fox Sparrow. To note, this is the "Pacific" race. Ours in the east are much more rust-coloured.

Diane Miller · Mar 12, 2015

OK -- thanks, everyone! Pacific race would definitely fit, out here on the Left Coast!

Jonathan Ashton · Mar 27, 2015

Never seen one of these Diane it's a good shot. I have never seen a hermit thrush either but generally speaking I think you may well find a clue in the bill - sparrows are seed eaters hence the heavy based stronger bill, thrushes tend to have slimmer bills primarily for insects and snails etc as opposed to crunching seeds.

john farnsworth · May 29, 2015

The dark spot on the chest will tell you it's not a Hermit Thrush. That's a key field sign for about half your sparrows/emberizids.

Diane Miller · May 29, 2015

Thanks, John -- good to know. I'm in kindergarten as a birder.

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