Song Sparrow

Song Sparrow in side profile perched on a dried seed stalk

Standing Watch
A Song Sparrow settles on a thorny branch, pausing between moments of activity.

Moment of Stillness
Front-facing Song Sparrow showing breast streaking and central spot

Holding the Perch
Song Sparrow facing forward from a dried seed stalk

Front and Center
Song Sparrow looking downward from a dried seed stalk

Something Below
Tail in motion while the bird seems intent on something ahead.

Pointing Sparrow
Song Sparrow perched on a weathered wooden board

Weathered Board
Song Sparrow perched on a slanted fence post in a green field

Field Perch

Melospiza melodia

For identification details and comparison with similar species, see the Melospiza melodia page in the Field Notes section. For photographic observations and visual context, see Photographic Sequence in the Field Notes section.

Song Sparrow in side profile perched on a dried seed stalk

Standing Watch
Layered feathers, long legs, and an attentive posture.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Settings: ISO 400 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/400 s
E22A3682 • Size: 2250 x 1500

A Song Sparrow settles on a thorny branch, pausing between moments of activity.

Moment of Stillness
Only for a moment, the busy morning comes to rest.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Settings: ISO 1000 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/640 s
E22A7361 • Size: 2100 x 1400

Front-facing Song Sparrow showing central breast spot

Holding the Perch
A closer look at the intricate breast pattern flowing from the throat to the shoulders.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Settings: ISO 400 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/400 s
E22A3679 • Size: 1333 x 2000

Song Sparrow looking downward from dried seed stalk

Something Below
A sudden focus on the brush below has its attention.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Settings: ISO 400 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/400 s
E22A3681 • Size: 2250 x 1500

Song Sparrow facing forward from dried seed stalk

Front and Center
A small bird with a strong presence.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Settings: ISO 400 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/400 s
E22A3680 • Size: 1333 x 2000

Song Sparrow perched on a dried seed stalk with tail in motion

Pointing Sparrow
Tail in motion while the bird seems intent on something ahead.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Settings: ISO 400 • Aperture f/8.0 • Shutter 1/400 s
E21A1917 • Size: 1799 x 1199

Song Sparrow perched on weathered wooden board

Weathered Board
Streaked plumage against rough wood.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM + EF2x teleconverter
Settings: ISO 1250 • Aperture f/13.0 • Shutter 1/200 s
E21A1931 • Size: 2109 x 1406