The white-throated sparrow is a passerine bird of the New World sparrow family Passerellidae. It breeds in northern North America and winters in the southern United States.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
Breeds widely across the Canadian boreal forest and the northeastern United States, extending into higher elevations of the Appalachians. Winters throughout the eastern and southern United States and into the Gulf Coast and parts of the southern Great Plains. Prefers coniferous and mixed forests with dense understory during breeding, especially near clearings and wetlands. In winter it uses brushy edges, thickets, second-growth, parks, and suburban gardens with cover. Regular at seed feeders in the non-breeding season.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sparrow has two distinct head-stripe morphs (white-striped and tan-striped) that often pair with the opposite morph. Its clear, whistled song is famously rendered as “Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody” (or “Oh sweet Canada, Canada”). In winter it is a frequent visitor to backyard feeders and often forages with a double-footed hop scratch on the leaf litter.
Close-up of a white-throated sparrow head, with bright white throat and yellow lore
Eating poison ivy berries
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Forms loose flocks outside the breeding season and often associates with other sparrows at feeding sites. Breeding pairs are typically monogamous, with nests on or near the ground concealed in dense vegetation. The two head-stripe morphs tend to mate disassortatively, influencing parental roles and behavior.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes that descend and repeat, commonly remembered as “Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody.” Calls include sharp tseet notes and soft chip sounds used during foraging and flock cohesion.
