Costa's Hummingbird vs Lincoln's Sparrow

In short

Costa's Hummingbird and Lincoln's Sparrow are vastly different in appearance and habitat, making them easy to distinguish in the field. Costa's Hummingbird is a small, iridescent bird often found in arid regions, while Lincoln's Sparrow is a streaked, brown sparrow inhabiting wet, subalpine areas.

Identification tips

1. Location and Habitat: Look for Costa's Hummingbird in arid regions, and Lincoln's Sparrow in wetter, cooler environments. 2. Size and Shape: Costa's is smaller and more slender with a long bill, while Lincoln's is larger and more robust. 3. Plumage: Look for iridescent purple on Costa's males; Lincoln's has streaked brown plumage. 4. Behavior: Costa's hovers and feeds on nectar; Lincoln's forages on the ground. 5. Vocalization: Listen for Costa's whistled calls and Lincoln's rich, warbling song.

Size

Costa's Hummingbird is much smaller and more compact than Lincoln's Sparrow, with a slender body and long bill typical of hummingbirds.

Plumage

Costa's Hummingbird has a striking iridescent purple crown and throat in males, while females are more subdued with greenish upperparts. Lincoln's Sparrow is brown with fine streaking on the chest and a buffy wash across the breast, lacking any iridescence.

Behaviour

Costa's Hummingbird is known for its hovering flight and rapid movements as it feeds on nectar. Lincoln's Sparrow is more terrestrial, often seen foraging on the ground or in low vegetation.

Habitat

Costa's Hummingbird is typically found in arid desert scrub and chaparral, whereas Lincoln's Sparrow prefers cool, wet subalpine and subarctic environments with dense ground vegetation.

Voice

Costa's Hummingbird produces a distinctive whistled vocalization during courtship displays. Lincoln's Sparrow is recognized by its rich, warbling song, which is less variable geographically compared to other sparrows.