Song Sparrow vs Lincoln's Sparrow

In short

The Song Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow are both small, streaked sparrows, but they can be distinguished by their facial markings and habitat preferences. The Song Sparrow often shows a more prominent central breast spot and a broader, grayish supercilium, while Lincoln's Sparrow has a buffy wash on the breast and finer streaking. Both species have distinct songs, with the Lincoln's Sparrow's being more musical and less variable.

Identification tips

• Facial markings: Look for the broader, grayish supercilium on the Song Sparrow versus the buffy malar stripe and eye-ring on Lincoln's Sparrow.
• Breast streaking: Song Sparrows have a central breast spot; Lincoln's Sparrows have a buffy wash and finer streaking.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; Lincoln's Sparrows are more likely in dense, wet areas.
• Song: Listen for the more musical, warbling song of Lincoln's Sparrow compared to the varied song of the Song Sparrow.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Song Sparrow can appear slightly bulkier.

Plumage

Song Sparrows have a broader, grayish supercilium and a prominent central breast spot, while Lincoln's Sparrows feature a buffy wash on the breast and finer, more delicate streaking. Lincoln's Sparrows also have a more defined eye-ring and a buffy malar stripe.

Behaviour

Both species are ground foragers, but Song Sparrows are more likely to be seen in open areas, while Lincoln's Sparrows prefer dense cover.

Habitat

Song Sparrows are highly adaptable and found in a wide range of habitats, including marshes, forest edges, and urban areas. Lincoln's Sparrows prefer wet, dense vegetation, often in subalpine or subarctic regions.

Voice

Song Sparrows have a varied and melodic song, often with a series of clear notes followed by a trill. Lincoln's Sparrows have a more musical, warbling song with less geographic variation.