A large and slender sparrow with bold pattern on the head and a dark spot on the breast. Tail contains an extensive white pattern. A red-listed species whose breeding habitat is restricted in B.C. to the southern interior of the Province. Numbers have been dropping, likely due to loss of breeding habitat. Migratory, winters south to Mexico.
Similar species:
A very distinctive sparrow and not likely to be confused with other bird species.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Ministry of Environment, British Columbia
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| 09-Jun-2012 | Hope Airport, Hope | D. Beeke | Adult on private property at the northwest corner of the airport. |
| 30-Jun-2010 | Matsqui Prairie, Abbotsford | L. Mel | Adult coming to feeders. Also seen the next day on July 1. Photographed. |
| 02-Sept-2007 | Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve, Chilliwack | B & J Clayton | A first winter bird documented by photograph. First sighting on record for the checklist area. |
Photos
