Henslow's Sparrow vs Lincoln's Sparrow

In short

Henslow's Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow can be distinguished by their head patterns and habitat preferences. Henslow's Sparrow has a distinctive olive-green head with fine streaking, while Lincoln's Sparrow features a buffy, finely streaked breast and a more pronounced eye-ring. Habitat preferences also differ, with Henslow's favoring grasslands and Lincoln's preferring shrubby, wet areas.

Identification tips

• Head pattern: Look for the olive-green head with fine streaking on Henslow's Sparrow versus the buffy, finely streaked breast and pronounced eye-ring of Lincoln's Sparrow.
• Habitat: Note the habitat; Henslow's prefers grasslands, while Lincoln's is found in shrubby, wet areas.
• Vocalization: Listen for the rich, warbling song of Lincoln's Sparrow compared to the simpler song of Henslow's Sparrow.

Size

Both species are small sparrows, but Lincoln's Sparrow is slightly larger and more robust than the more delicate Henslow's Sparrow.

Plumage

Henslow's Sparrow has an olive-green head with fine streaking and a less distinct eye-ring. Its back is heavily streaked with black and chestnut. Lincoln's Sparrow, on the other hand, has a buffy breast with fine streaking, a more pronounced eye-ring, and a grayish face with a buffy malar stripe.

Behaviour

Both species are secretive and often stay low in vegetation. Henslow's Sparrow is more likely to be found in grasslands, while Lincoln's Sparrow prefers shrubby, wet areas.

Habitat

Henslow's Sparrow is typically found in open grasslands and prairies, whereas Lincoln's Sparrow inhabits shrubby, wet areas such as bogs and willow thickets.

Voice

Lincoln's Sparrow is known for its rich, warbling song, which is more complex than the simpler, insect-like song of Henslow's Sparrow.