White-throated Sparrow

Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis

Though restricted to Canada and the northeastern U.S. as a breeding species, the White-throated Sparrow is common in migration and winter over large portions of the U.S. White-throated Sparrows often begin singing in early spring prior to their northward migration, and their plaintive song is a familiar one to birders.

The range of the Brown-headed Cowbird barely overlaps with the breeding range of the White-throated Sparrow, so nest parasitism is very rare. Some pairs raise two broods in a season, and if it is attempted, the female begins laying the second clutch just days after the first brood has fledged.

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