Melospiza lincolnii
The Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) is a small, secretive New World sparrow, typically measuring about 5 inches (13 cm) in length with a wingspan of around 7.5 inches (19 cm) and weighing 0.4-0.6 ounces (11-17g). Its most distinctive field marks include fine, crisp streaks across a buffy breast and flanks, contrasted by a grey face with a bold buffy malar stripe (or 'whisker') and a relatively small, conical bill. Taxonomically, it belongs to the Passerellidae family, making it a clos...
Breeds in dense, wet, shrubby habitats such as boreal bogs, subalpine meadows, and willow-alder thickets. Winters in dense low vegetation, often near water, ranging from sea level to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, consuming caterpillars, beetles, and other invertebrates. In winter, their diet shifts heavily to small seeds from grasses and weeds, gleaned from the ground or low vegetation.
Lincoln's Sparrows are notably secretive, often skulking low in dense vegetation and proving difficult to observe despite their relatively widespread distribution. They primarily forage on the ground, gleaning insects and seeds, often employing a characteristic 'sparrow hop' or darting quickly in...
The Lincoln's Sparrow has an expansive breeding range across northern North America, extending from Alaska and much of Canada's boreal forest south into the northern United States in suitable high-elevation and wetland habitats, including the Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes region, and parts of New ...
Least Concern
- The Lincoln's Sparrow was named by John James Audubon in 1834 after his young companion, Thomas Lincoln, who collected the first specimen. - It is often considered one of North America's most elusive sparrows, frequently heard but rarely seen due to its skulking behavior. - Its song is famously...