WHITE THROAT SPARROW
WR

The white throat sparrow is seldom seen in the Historic Triangle area during the summer. In the other three seasons he is visible, particularly around home feeders. A handful of cracked corn or crumbled bread scattered daily is enough to keep a flock at the back door all winter. Occasionally they go directly to the feeder but more often glean the crumbs knocked to the ground by larger birds.

The white throat is one of the more handsome in the large sparrow family and perhaps is the outstanding singer. He wears a leaf-brown jacket, white and black striped cap and a white bib at the throat. A bright spot of lemon yellow extending from the bill to above the eyes is sure identification for this friendly visitor.

New England calls him "the Peabody bird" claiming his song definitely says "old Sam Peabody", repeated many times. Other locals have named him cherrybird, Canada bird, nightingale (in Manitoba) and Canada sparrow. Whatever his name, the white throat is renowned throughout the country as one of the sweetest singers in the bird world.

The food of the white throat consists of seeds and small animal life scratched up from just below the ground surface. It works industriously, scratching with both feet and digging with its bill for the delectable morsels.

Wildlife Neighbors Home Page