The White-throated Sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a common sight in Vermont’s forests and backyards, known for its distinctive “Old Sam Peabody” song that echoes through the woods.

Identification and Plumage

• White throat patch
• Yellow lores (between eye and bill)
• Black and white striped head
• Gray breast
• Brown back with streaks
• Length: 6.3-7.1 inches
• Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches

“The White-throated Sparrow’s song, often rendered as ‘Oh-sweet-Canada-Canada-Canada’ or ‘Old-Sam-Peabody-Peabody-Peabody,’ is one of the most recognizable bird songs in North America.” - Vermont Birding Association

Habitat Preferences

These sparrows thrive in:

• Dense shrubbery
• Forest edges
• Overgrown fields
• Backyard thickets
• Young forests

Diet and Feeding Habits

Their diet includes:

• Seeds and grains
• Insects and spiders
• Berries and fruits
• Buds and tender shoots


Breeding and Migration

Key aspects of their life cycle:

• Breed in northern forests
• Migrate to southern U.S. for winter
• Build cup-shaped nests on the ground
• Lay 3-5 eggs per clutch
• Both parents feed the young

Conservation Status

While currently stable, they face several challenges:

• Habitat loss in breeding grounds
• Climate change affecting migration timing
• Increased nest predation
• Pesticide impacts on food sources

“The White-throated Sparrow’s presence in our forests is a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems across the continent. Protecting their habitat in Vermont helps ensure their survival throughout their range.” - Vermont Conservation Trust