Wayne R. Petersen
WAYNE R. PETERSEN
The mystery species this month is obviously a sparrow of some type. Although there are certain species that may resemble sparrows because of their striped underparts, such as pipits, Bobolinks in nonbreeding plumage, or female and immature Purple Finches and Red-winged Blackbirds, we can immediately eliminate them due to their heavier streaking and different bill shapes. Also, their distinctive calls, often given in flight, should distinguish them.
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