Two Color Morphs Of White-throated Sparrows


November 15, 2025

The white-striped morph of the White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis). This morph has a bold black and white cap, along with bright yellow lores (area between and just above the eye and bill), crisp pale gray breast, and a pure snow white throat.

Males and females of this morph sing more frequently, are more aggressive, and are more territorial than tan-striped morphs. White-striped females mate with tan-striped males, and white-striped males mate with tan-striped females. The white-striped morphs give less care and attention to their young than those of the tan-striped morphs.

The tan-striped morph of the White-throated Sparrow. This morph has a dark chocolate brown and tan cap, along with small dull yellow lores, a breast that is pale tan with medium brown speckles, and a whitish throat that has some small speckles.

Both males and females of this morph are quiet and not aggressive. Males of the white-striped morph mate with tan-striped females. Males of the tan-striped morph mate with white-striped females. The tan-striped morph of both sexes give more care and attention to their young than those of the white-striped morph.

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