CLOSED: Sparrow: Lincoln's or Song?

Having a tough time with this one.

sorry about the fence.

last one

I'd say Song - the greater coverts are so strongly rufous, and the malar stripe (sides of the chin) is white, not buffy. But the flank streaks do look rather fine, I can see why you thought it could be Lincoln's.

Resin

Well it kind of matches one IDed last year as Lincoln's, but it sure isn't very buffy.

Thanks Resin.

Mrs Ed,

I don't think it is either, for the following reasons: The rufous wings leads me right off to Swamp Sparrow. The streaking on the breast is fine and would be more distinct in a Lincoln's (LISP), and even more distinct in a Song Sparrow (SOSP). Also SOSP has a central spot in the breast this bird doesn't. LISP has warm, buffy wash to the breast, a white belly and a very gray nape, which this bird does not. The light malar is bounded on top by a dark streak which fits Swamp Sparrow.

Hope this helps.

Greg

Agree with Swamp Sparrow on a second look; another point I'd missed before is the yellowish base to the bill, visible in the first pic

Resin

Well thanks Greg and Resin.