A few days ago, we took a close look at the White-crowned Sparrow, a fascinating visitor to my Arkansas backyard (White-crowned Sparrows in Arkansas: Facts, Photos & Fun Facts!) Today, we’re focusing on another sparrow species that graces my yard with its presence – the White-throated Sparrow.
If you’re a birdwatcher in Arkansas, there’s a good chance you’re well-acquainted with these little feathered friends. Here’s why:
- Wintertime Mainstay: White-throated Sparrows are practically celebrities in the Arkansas winter. They arrive in early fall and stay cozy until mid-May, making them one of the most common sparrow sightings during those colder months. Out of the roughly 20 sparrow species that grace Arkansas with their presence in winter (out of a total of 30!), the White-throated Sparrow might just be the most frequent visitor to your feeders.
- Striped Stars: These sparrows are easy to recognize. Their namesake white throat is a giveaway, but they also come in two “flavors” – with either white or tan stripes on their heads. Interestingly, there’s a bit of a personality difference between the morphs. White-striped White-throated Sparrows tend to be more vocal and assertive, while their tan-striped counterparts are known to be quieter and more helpful when it comes to raising their young.
- Singers in the Snow: Winter might bring a chill to Arkansas, but White-throated Sparrows keep things cheerful with their sweet, clear song. Often described as “Poor Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody” or “Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada,” their melody adds a touch of joy to the colder months.
- Short But Sweet Lives: While the average White-throated Sparrow lives for about 6 years, one remarkable individual in Fairfax, Virginia, defied the odds and reached a grand old age of almost 10 before succumbing to a feline predator.
With their striking looks and delightful songs, White-throated Sparrows are a welcome sight in Arkansas backyards and feeders. So, next time you see a flash of white and brown flitting around, keep an eye out for the telltale throat patch – you might have just spotted a winter resident with a big personality!
