[birdky] Last photo quiz solution

From: Mark Monroe <markmonroe1@xxxxxxxxx>
To: BIRDKY <birdky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 21:53:49 -0400

The 'solution' to the previous photo quiz, posted at
http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/whatisit.htm follows:


Given the context of this juvenile bird being in Menifee County (eastern)
Kentucky in July, it seems most likely that it is either a Field Sparrow or
a Chipping Sparrow. Moreover, given both the context and the shade of rufous
edging on the back feathering, one can feel pretty confident that it is a
juvenile Chipping Sparrow.



The bird has obviously just left the nest. The angle of the bill and the
young age of the bird makes it difficult to discern shape of the bill; size,
likewise, is impossible to judge. The streaking on the breast would lead one
off into several incorrect directions, including Brown Thrasher and Song
Sparrow.  However, the streaking on either a thrasher or song sparrow
juvenile should consist of wider/bolder streaks. Also, on a thrasher the
upper-part feathers would be more uniformly rufous.



Many are not aware that juvenile *Spizella* sparrows, including Field and
Chipping, are strongly streaked. They keep these streaks until their
post-juvenile molt. Although this bird *could* be a Field Sparrow, it is
likely a Chipping because of what appears to be some buffy color coming in
the side of the face (especially in the area of the supercilium) and the
richness of the rufous edgings on the feathers of the back. One can also
assume that at least some sign of wing bars are covered by the scapular
feathers on the shoulder.



This photo was passed around to several banders and avid birders and the
majority leaned toward juvenile Chipping Sparrow. If anyone has another
suggestion, it is welcomed.


Thanks again to Rita Atkins for the photo and the birders and banders that
contributed to the above solution.



Mark


Mark Monroe

Louisville, KY

[birdky] Last photo quiz solution

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