Sparrows three

Of the 14 species of sparrows recorded on Bodega Head, three species nest here (the others are migrants, winter on Bodega Head and then move elsewhere to breed, or are vagrants to this area).

A bit of etymology: "sparrow" comes from the Indo-European "sper" and Anglo-Saxon "spearwa" meaning "flutterer".

 

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)

[Note the prominent black and white head stripes and unstreaked breast;

common among shrubs in grassland and dunes]

 

 Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

[Note brown and gray head stripes and streaked breast with central spot;

common among shrubs in grassland and dunes]

Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)

[Note bright yellow eyebrow stripe (especially in front of eye) and relatively short tail;
primarily found along coastal bluffs and in salt marshes]