White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis Sep–May

Another native North American sparrow, this species breeds in Canada and migrates south during the winter. They often make their nest on the ground in forested areas and can be found foraging for food among the leaves and dirt. This bird has a distinctive white patch below the bill and a streak above the eye that starts off yellow and turns white. They are polymorphic, having two distinct color variations within the same species. Instead of the white colored streak above the eye, some have a muted tan streak and a less crisply defined throat patch.

Although relatively common, these sparrows are in decline and one of the species that are prone to window collisions, a major issue contributing to the large numbers of preventable bird deaths every year. Most birds perceive reflected landscapes in glass as an actual space they can fly into, resulting in collisions where the birds are either stunned, injured, or killed. The easiest way to prevent this is to install insect screens, which eliminates reflections. Another option is to attach decals or tape to the glass at two inch intervals.