Vesper Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow

These sparrows may seem plain and unremarkable at first, but birders who learn to look for subtle field marks can soon recognize what makes them distinct. The slender, conical-shaped bill, long notched tail, and deep belly shape are the first clues to note. Genders are similar though males are slightly larger than females. The striped face shows a full white eye-ring, plain white throat, and a small pale cheek patch framed with a dark border with white below the border. The mantle is uniformly streaked brown and black, and the brown wings show two faint white or buff wing bars. The tail is dark with white outer feathers, and the underparts are creamy-white or buff with thin dark streaking on the flanks and upper breast. The undertail coverts are plain white. In flight, a small rufous shoulder patch is visible, but it is not always noticeable on perched birds unless the wings are drooped and the plumage is relatively worn. The eyes are dark and the legs and feet are pale. Juveniles look similar to adults but show more extensive streaking on the underparts and less refined markings on the face. These sparrows have a clear musical song that begins with two to four long, slow whistled notes followed by several buzzy trills and warbles. The song can seem almost lyrical in nature and is how the bird earned its name, as these birds sing at twilight, at the same time vespers music may be played. The typical call note is a sharp chirp.

Vesper Sparrow

These sparrows may seem plain and unremarkable at first, but birders who learn to look for subtle field marks can soon recognize what makes them distinct. The slender, conical-shaped bill, long notched tail, and deep belly shape are the first clues to note. Genders are similar though males are slightly larger than females. The striped face shows a full white eye-ring, plain white throat, and a small pale cheek patch framed with a dark border with white below the border. The mantle is uniformly streaked brown and black, and the brown wings show two faint white or buff wing bars. The tail is dark with white outer feathers, and the underparts are creamy-white or buff with thin dark streaking on the flanks and upper breast. The undertail coverts are plain white. In flight, a small rufous shoulder patch is visible, but it is not always noticeable on perched birds unless the wings are drooped and the plumage is relatively worn. The eyes are dark and the legs and feet are pale. Juveniles look similar to adults but show more extensive streaking on the underparts and less refined markings on the face. These sparrows have a clear musical song that begins with two to four long, slow whistled notes followed by several buzzy trills and warbles. The song can seem almost lyrical in nature and is how the bird earned its name, as these birds sing at twilight, at the same time vespers music may be played. The typical call note is a sharp chirp.