Thank goodness for the white & black stripes on the head.
Not who you might think.
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Louise Chambers
- Site Admin
- Posts: 6208
- Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2003 1:07 pm
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Our nickname for those is the referee birds, for their b&w striped hats :-) We have nice numbers of them here in the winter only.
ID clue - a native sparrow species, one of the larger members of the sparrow family
ID clue - a native sparrow species, one of the larger members of the sparrow family
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KathyF
- Posts: 3522
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 1:57 pm
- Location: Missouri/Licking
- Martin Colony History: Colony started - 2007 with one pair
As of 2018 - 84 cavities offered, max # of pairs hosted - 82.
'white crown sparrow'. Yes, thank goodness for the white stripe in the middle of the head! 
"Sometimes", said Pooh, "the smallest things take up the most room in your heart."
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
2023 - 82 pair
2022 - 80 pair
2021 - 75 pair
2020 - 78 pair
2019 - 80 pair
http://kathyfreeze.blogspot.com
In protection of one of the most common, gentle, north American birds, The song sparrow.
I my opinion the only harmful sparrow that lives in the USA is the house sparrow. Its the only cavity nesting sparrow and the only one that compeats with our native cavity nesting birds.
All the native north american sparrows nest in srubs, bushes, thickets and trees. They build tea cup nests of grass, stems, string and small twigs. They do not compeat with any cavity nesting species.
There must be at least 10 or 12 song sparrows that could be confused with the very aggressive house sparrow. Although the song sparrows will not be caught in a trap doors set in a martin gourds or houses.
They can be caught in the many differant types of baited ground traps, because they feed on insects, seeds, grain and berries.
We should be able to recognize these native song sparrows so they are not harmed by mistake.
In April I set outside every day and enjoy purple martins, humming birds and chipping sparrows and they all seem to get along just fine.
Jerry
I my opinion the only harmful sparrow that lives in the USA is the house sparrow. Its the only cavity nesting sparrow and the only one that compeats with our native cavity nesting birds.
All the native north american sparrows nest in srubs, bushes, thickets and trees. They build tea cup nests of grass, stems, string and small twigs. They do not compeat with any cavity nesting species.
There must be at least 10 or 12 song sparrows that could be confused with the very aggressive house sparrow. Although the song sparrows will not be caught in a trap doors set in a martin gourds or houses.
They can be caught in the many differant types of baited ground traps, because they feed on insects, seeds, grain and berries.
We should be able to recognize these native song sparrows so they are not harmed by mistake.
In April I set outside every day and enjoy purple martins, humming birds and chipping sparrows and they all seem to get along just fine.
Jerry
Better to have a gun and not need it.
Than need one and don't have it.
Than need one and don't have it.
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Guest
I agree, the White Crown Sparrow is one of the most gentle and personable birds I have observed. I love to photograph them and sit and listen to their little cheep sound. When cold they just fluff up like balls of fluffy feathers, have not once seen them act aggressively. We are responsible to learn the other birds and protect them as well as our beloved Martins.
I knew Yall would know who it was!
I knew Yall would know who it was!
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Jeff Robinson
- Posts: 908
- Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 3:32 pm
- Location: Rogersville, Missouri
- Martin Colony History: 2008 - Current
72 Cavities - 70 Pairs in 2021
PM Mentor
As Harley said, gentle and quite numerous at my many feeders. I'm feeding about 24 Bluebirds via a Bell Feeder, and the White Crowns share the choice vittles when the BBs give them a chance. They'll migrate about the time the Martins start coming in.
A really special treat though...I've been graced with two Carolina Wrens, also feeding with the BBs. I'll try hanging a fake plant outside and maybe get them to nest.
A really special treat though...I've been graced with two Carolina Wrens, also feeding with the BBs. I'll try hanging a fake plant outside and maybe get them to nest.
PMCA Member - Bedrock Colony