White-throated Sparrows are back in Arkansas for the colder months, bringing their distinctive song and subtle beauty. Known for their ground-feeding habits, these birds prefer to scratch through leaves and forage on the ground, making them challenging to photograph unless they happen to move to a higher perch.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: A mix of brown, black, and white, with a striking white throat and yellow patches above the eyes.
- Song: A recognizable, high-pitched whistle, often transcribed as “Old-Sam-Peabody-Peabody.”
- Behavior: They stick close to the ground, foraging in groups, often in thick brush or leaf litter.
Challenges in Photographing
This photo from November 10th stands out because the bird hopped up onto a brick, briefly giving a clearer view. White-throated Sparrows are rarely so accommodating. Most of the time, you’ll find them blending into the background, crouched among leaves, or feeding close to the ground.
I used the Canon EOS R5m2 with a Canon RF100-500mm lens at 500mm. With an ISO of 3200 and an aperture of 7.1, I aimed to keep the image sharp despite low morning light. The shutter speed of 1/1000 froze any sudden movements, but these sparrows often stay relatively still, pecking for seeds and insects.
Tips for Spotting White-throated Sparrows
- Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon, when they are most active.
- Location: Look in areas with plenty of leaf litter and ground cover.
- Listening Skills: Tune into their song—it often signals their presence before you see them.
Each encounter with these birds is an opportunity to observe their subtle colors and behavior more closely. For more on the return of these sparrows to my yard, you can read my other post here: White-throated Sparrows Return to My Arkansas Yard.
I get a kick out of watching these and other sparrows with their backward hopping and scratching as they search for seeds!