Tag Archives: Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

Song Sparrow On A Garden Post

February 18, 2026

Not totally a loner, but one that will choose solitude over dealing with a crowd of other birds. That helps me identify a Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), a bird that without the help of binoculars or a camera looks very much like a winter resident here, the White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). A bird that gathers with all its friends to hunt for seeds. A very sociable bird. But if I don’t get a good look, that camera, or a pair of binoculars will help me solve the mystery.

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Master Of Camouflage

February 26, 2025

The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is indeed a master of camouflage blending in with dried grass near the birdbath. Not at all striking in its coloring, streaks of gray and brown.

The Song Sparrow is well represented throughout our continent. They’re said to be “the most common and widespread sparrow in North America.” Here at my cabin though I don’t find them here with any extreme frequency. Just every now and then. 

Their song, noted in their name is represented by a mnemonic, Maids-maids-maids-put-on-your-tea-kettle-ettle-ettle. Not nearly as easy to remember as many other bird mnemonics.

I’m still working on remembering it.

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There’s A Mnemonic For That

January 21, 2025

A Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), common in much of North America. They do migrate but are found here in Virginia year round. A Sparrow that is for me a challenge to distinguish from the White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). Yes there are small but obvious differences but they don’t come close enough for me to check out those differences and of course they don’t stay still. My camera is a great help for me.

Another help is their song. Males sing more frequently, particularly during the spring but they are still vocal in any season. To help identify their song there is a mnemonic which can help us recognize what they are singing. It is: Maids-maids-maids-put-on-your-tea-kettle-ettle-ettle.

Not the most memorable mnemonic. But perhaps it will help.

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One Of The LBJs

This one of the LBJs, or Little Brown Jobbies. Little brown birds that look like other little brown birds. Very confusing.

In reality, I’m able to identify this bird. The streaked breast helps in that regard. This is a Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia).

Years ago as I was getting familiar with the LBJs, it sure did help to get photos and compare each bird without it suddenly flying away.

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