One of the most welcome sounds that I hope to hear for winter to bring cheer, is that of the Song Sparrow atop a bush or small tree. Common to brushy areas near water, this ubiquitous sparrow is often found with several of its species in loose groups, as well as with the Dark-eyed Junco.
Several subspecies across the country are known, including the Eastern, which is also the bird of Oklahoma, Aleutian, Southwest, California Coast, and Pacific Northwest, all self-explanatory. Many of these birds are actually intergrades, with a wide latitude on streaking. There is really no audible variation among any of them.
In Oklahoma, most likely the first streaky and robust bird of winter that you see is the Song Sparrow, and memorizing the voice in the above video will seal the deal. The bill is semi-conical with wide breast streaking with a central "stickpin" in the midst of the breast and flesh-toned legs. They will often visit feeders.
Song Sparrow
Boomer Lake Park, March 2015
The Song Sparrow enjoys a number of habitats as a generalist including wet meadows, lakes, thickets, forest edges, bushy marsh margins, parks, roadsides, gardens, salt marshes, etc. It will scratch upon the ground for seeds, and usually flies low to the ground.
Its beautiful song increases with the advent of spring and tends to be variable and quite complex at times, but very familiar. Many birds in the northern section of its range will be migratory, but some will rely upon bird feeders. These insectivores will also eat fruit and seeds all year. They will usually dine upon whatever is available no matter where they are found, insuring the success of the species.
They can be a victim of the Brown-headed Cowbird, but they are quite resilient with an uncanny ability to raise their own as well as that of the obligate brood parasite. The Song Sparrow also has the most numerous subspecies in the US.
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