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Location: Lake Murray, La Mesa, CA
Date: 2004-04-25
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6
Date: 2004-04-25
Lens: Canon 400mm F5.6
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
DescriptionThis bird can be found all across the US and Alaska. Species size and color varies across these regions. These birds can be distinguished in flight as it pumps its tail. Song Sparrows have a beautiful and tranquil song that is sometimes said to sound like "Madge-Madge-Madge, Put-On-Your-Tea-Kettle-Ettle-Ettle".
Prominent dark brown streaks with whitish background on chest and face. Dark bill. Brown wings with black streaks and a brown rounded tail. 5 to 7 inches in length.
Marshes, thickets, woodland edges, and chaparral. Often seen among the cattails along a water's edge.
NestingUp to 3 clutches of 3-6 pale greenish-white, heavily marked eggs with a 12-14 day incubation period. Fledging occurs 9-12 days after hatching. The nest is an open grass cup lined with hair. Built on or near the ground in a well hidden spot.
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