Art Post 1
The White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a common sight in Vermont’s forests and backyards, known for its distinctive “Old Sam Peabody” song that echoes through the woods.
Identification and Plumage
- White throat patch
- Yellow lores (between eye and bill)
- Black and white striped head
- Gray breast
- Brown back with streaks
- Length: 6.3-7.1 inches
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches
“The White-throated Sparrow’s song, often rendered as ‘Oh-sweet-Canada-Canada-Canada’ or ‘Old-Sam-Peabody-Peabody-Peabody,’ is one of the most recognizable bird songs in North America.” - Vermont Birding Association
Habitat Preferences
These sparrows thrive in:
- Dense shrubbery
- Forest edges
- Overgrown fields
- Backyard thickets
- Young forests
Diet and Feeding Habits
Their diet includes:
- Seeds and grains
- Insects and spiders
- Berries and fruits
- Buds and tender shoots
Breeding and Migration
Key aspects of their life cycle:
- Breed in northern forests
- Migrate to southern U.S. for winter
- Build cup-shaped nests on the ground
- Lay 3-5 eggs per clutch
- Both parents feed the young
Conservation Status
While currently stable, they face several challenges:
- Habitat loss in breeding grounds
- Climate change affecting migration timing
- Increased nest predation
- Pesticide impacts on food sources
“The White-throated Sparrow’s presence in our forests is a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems across the continent. Protecting their habitat in Vermont helps ensure their survival throughout their range.” - Vermont Conservation Trust
