Tina Posted November 24, 2018 Share Posted November 24, 2018 Anyone out here an expert on these 2 birds? I'm on Salton Sea near the State Park headquarters in one of those areas where both can be found so range doesn't help. Photos are better than anything I can describe. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Posted November 24, 2018 Author Share Posted November 24, 2018 Just took more photos of another "Sage" Sparrow and honestly think I have both the Bell and the Sagebrush here - which is possible. This new one has a completely plain back and sang the Bell's song. So, don't worry about trying to figure this one out. I'll keep working at my several hundred photos of them all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark5 Posted November 27, 2018 Share Posted November 27, 2018 I think they are both Sagebrush Sparrows based on what looks like a very thin malar stripe and blackish streaking on the back. (Quoting from Nat. Geo. 7th) I will offer the disclaimer that I have no experience with these 2 very similar species. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedsandyman Posted November 27, 2018 Share Posted November 27, 2018 (edited) A tricky bird, as the back streaking is quite strong and would seem to be lean towards a Sagebrush Sparrow; on the other hand the malar thickness and darkness seem to indicate a canescens Bell's Sparrow. I honestly think I would lean more towards a canescens Bell's since the back streaking appears to be a dark brown, even with a somewhat high contrast photo, rather than black, and the malar is really quite solid / thick for a Sagebrush. I would definitely look for more opinions (and, ideally, an expert) if you're wanting to know for sure, though! Edited November 27, 2018 by tedsandyman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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