Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Blog Post Species #88/100
Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Song Sparrow – Melospiza melodia
Name Roots: (Gr. melos, “song”; spiza, “a finch” – L. melodia, “a pleasant song”
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Song Sparrows are medium-sized and fairly bulky sparrows. For a sparrow, the bill is short and stout and the head fairly rounded. The tail is long and rounded, and the wings are broad. Song Sparrows are streaky and brown with thick streaks on a white chest and flanks. On a closer look, the head is an attractive mix of warm red-brown and slaty gray.
DISTRIBUTION STATUS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY
The Song Sparrow is a Fairly Common Yearround Resident in California’s Central Valley and can be found in Freshwater Wetlands and wet areas near creeks and streams.
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Reflections of the Natural World 