Sparrow Flocks: Not to be Overlooked

When we hear the word "sparrow," we immediately think of those annoying House Sparrows that nest in our gutters and take over our feeders. Well, first of all, those aren't even sparrows, they are actually weaver-finches. I think they should be renamed to the Black-chinned Weaver-Finch, sounds much more interesting I think. But anyway, often times, birders overlook flocks of sparrows such as Chipping Sparrows or Dark-eyed Juncos. It's safe to assume that's all that's in there, right? Wrong. You would be very surprised as to what you can find in a flock of sparrows. In fact, especially around now and through the winter, you can find multiple different species. Every time I comb through some sparrows, I can usually pull at least three different species. I've pulled up to seven or eight a few times, it really depends on where you are. A backyard feeder area can usually produce three to five species, while a place with a lot of sparrows like a field, marsh, or woodland edge can produce high numbers. Some rarer sparrows to look out for included Fox Sparrow, American Tree Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow (rarity to the Southwest), White-crowned Sparrow (only rare in the East), and White-throated Sparrow (only rare in the West). Even if they're not rarities, native sparrows are still interesting to watch as different species work together to find food and avoid predators.

So never overlook that flock of juncos in your yard this winter, you never know what may turn up. And remember, a cool bird doesn't have to be a rarity. 

Good birding!

- Mike

A video of multiple sparrow species in a flock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0kQDosK8Ic

"Ipswich" Savannah Sparrow 

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park