Unit V Winter BirdsUnit V Winter Birdsin Kansas in Kansas

InformationInformation

How to identify birdsHow to identify birds

How to identify birdsHow to identify birds Here is a general outline for how to identify birds Here is a general outline for how to identify birds

and what to look for.and what to look for. First, become familiar with the First, become familiar with the field guidefield guide you you

are using so that you know how it is organized, are using so that you know how it is organized, and where different kinds of birds are likely to be and where different kinds of birds are likely to be found. I strongly recommend the Kaufman Guide found. I strongly recommend the Kaufman Guide to North American Birds, especially for to North American Birds, especially for beginning/intermediate birders. This book, unlike beginning/intermediate birders. This book, unlike other bird guides, is organized by the type of bird other bird guides, is organized by the type of bird and bird colors and is very helpful for ID. (Other and bird colors and is very helpful for ID. (Other bird guides are organized taxonomically).bird guides are organized taxonomically).

How to identify birds, cont.How to identify birds, cont. Use a Use a state checkliststate checklist to narrow down your choices in the to narrow down your choices in the

field guide. This will list all the birds that have been found field guide. This will list all the birds that have been found in the state. These are organized taxonomically (by bird in the state. These are organized taxonomically (by bird family) so you will also need to know what general kind of family) so you will also need to know what general kind of bird you are looking at. The Kansas Ornithological Society bird you are looking at. The Kansas Ornithological Society has a checklist of birds you can print out at: has a checklist of birds you can print out at: http://www.ksbirds.org/kos/kos_pubs.htmlhttp://www.ksbirds.org/kos/kos_pubs.html

Be familiar with the Be familiar with the general types of birdsgeneral types of birds out there: out there: Swimmers—ducks and duck-like birdsSwimmers—ducks and duck-like birds Aerialists—gulls and gull-like birdsAerialists—gulls and gull-like birds Long-legged waders—herons, cranes, etc.Long-legged waders—herons, cranes, etc. Smaller waders—shorebirdsSmaller waders—shorebirds Fowl-like birds—quail, prairie chickens, etc.Fowl-like birds—quail, prairie chickens, etc. Birds of prey—hawks, eagles, owlsBirds of prey—hawks, eagles, owls Nonpasserine land birdsNonpasserine land birds Passerine (perching) birdsPasserine (perching) birds

How to identify birds, cont.How to identify birds, cont.

When you see an unknown bird, first compare its When you see an unknown bird, first compare its sizesize to to something you do know, like is it the size of a robin? A something you do know, like is it the size of a robin? A sparrow? A pigeon? A hawk? Note that in field guides, they sparrow? A pigeon? A hawk? Note that in field guides, they measure a birds size from the tip of the beak to the tip of measure a birds size from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail, so it may ‘sound’ larger than what you are looking the tail, so it may ‘sound’ larger than what you are looking at. Comparing it to a known bird is more reliable and trying at. Comparing it to a known bird is more reliable and trying to judge length in inches.to judge length in inches.

What is the birds What is the birds body shapebody shape? Is it plump, thin, cigar-? Is it plump, thin, cigar-shaped, round, stream-lined?shaped, round, stream-lined?

What What shape are the wingsshape are the wings? Are they long and pointed, ? Are they long and pointed, rounded, thick/deep?rounded, thick/deep?

What What shape is the billshape is the bill? Is it fine and pointed, thick, hook-? Is it fine and pointed, thick, hook-tipped? Is it as long as the head or shorter or longer?tipped? Is it as long as the head or shorter or longer?

How to identify birds, cont.How to identify birds, cont.

What What shape is the tailshape is the tail? Is it forked, rounded, squared-off, ? Is it forked, rounded, squared-off, notched, pointed?notched, pointed?

How does the bird How does the bird behavebehave? Does it move around a lot? ? Does it move around a lot? Does it sit still? Does it bob and dip when it walks? Does it Does it sit still? Does it bob and dip when it walks? Does it run? Does it bob it’s tail? Does it fly out from a branch and run? Does it bob it’s tail? Does it fly out from a branch and then return again? then return again?

Does it Does it climb treesclimb trees? If so, does it climb up or down the ? If so, does it climb up or down the trunks? trunks?

How does it How does it flyfly? Does it dip up and down, fly in a straight ? Does it dip up and down, fly in a straight line, glide and soar, hover?line, glide and soar, hover?

Does it Does it swimswim? If so, does it sit low in the water or can you ? If so, does it sit low in the water or can you see most of its body? Does it dive completely under or does see most of its body? Does it dive completely under or does it upend with only the head under water?it upend with only the head under water?

Does it Does it wadewade? If so, is it large like a heron or small like a ? If so, is it large like a heron or small like a sandpiper? If the latter, does it probe the mud or pick at sandpiper? If the latter, does it probe the mud or pick at things? Does it teeter or bob?things? Does it teeter or bob?

How to identify birds, cont.How to identify birds, cont.

What are itsWhat are its field marks field marks? What colors are on it and ? What colors are on it and in what pattern?in what pattern? Tail patternsTail patterns: does it have white patches on the outer tail : does it have white patches on the outer tail

feathers or on the corners, or none at all? Does it have a feathers or on the corners, or none at all? Does it have a band near or at the end of the tail?band near or at the end of the tail?

Rump patchesRump patches: does it have a different color where the tail : does it have a different color where the tail meets the back?meets the back?

Eye stripes and eye ringsEye stripes and eye rings: does it have a different color : does it have a different color above, below or through the eye? Does it have a ring around above, below or through the eye? Does it have a ring around it’s eye? Does it have a ‘mustache’ stripe? it’s eye? Does it have a ‘mustache’ stripe?

Wing barsWing bars: do the wings have light stripes across them or : do the wings have light stripes across them or not?not?

Wing patternsWing patterns: very important on ducks and shorebirds. Are : very important on ducks and shorebirds. Are they solid color or have a stripe or contrasting black tips?they solid color or have a stripe or contrasting black tips?

Note that colors can sometimes be deceiving in different Note that colors can sometimes be deceiving in different light.light.

How to identify birds, cont.How to identify birds, cont.

Bird topographyBird topography: what the parts of : what the parts of the body and kinds of feathers are the body and kinds of feathers are called. This vocabulary is often used called. This vocabulary is often used in field guides. See this link:in field guides. See this link: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/http://www.birds.cornell.edu/

schoolyard/all_about_birds/bird_id/schoolyard/all_about_birds/bird_id/bird_topography.htmlbird_topography.html

Resources for learning moreResources for learning more

Birds have both songs and calls. Birds have both songs and calls. Songs are what birds sing during courtship and territory Songs are what birds sing during courtship and territory

defense, usually before and after their mating season, defense, usually before and after their mating season, but typically not all year long.but typically not all year long.

Calls are the other sounds birds make, in the “off-Calls are the other sounds birds make, in the “off-season”, during winter and before territory/mating season”, during winter and before territory/mating season. They are usually shorter “chip” notes and such.season. They are usually shorter “chip” notes and such.

To hear and practice bird songs and calls, try: To hear and practice bird songs and calls, try: http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/songlist.htmlhttp://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/songlist.html

To get a checklist of the Birds in Kansas, go to: To get a checklist of the Birds in Kansas, go to: http://www.ksbirds.org/kos/koslist10.pdfhttp://www.ksbirds.org/kos/koslist10.pdf

Some Major Groups of Winter Some Major Groups of Winter Birds in KansasBirds in Kansas

Birds of PreyBirds of Prey Medium-sized Land BirdsMedium-sized Land Birds Typical SongbirdsTypical Songbirds Tanagers, BlackbirdsTanagers, Blackbirds SparrowsSparrows Finches, BuntingsFinches, Buntings

Birds of PreyBirds of Prey

Sharp-shinned HawkSharp-shinned Hawk

Sharp-shinned HawkSharp-shinned Hawk

Family: Accipitridae, the hawks, Family: Accipitridae, the hawks, kites, and eagleskites, and eagles

More common in winter than the More common in winter than the summer, but are most common summer, but are most common throughout the state in April and throughout the state in April and OctoberOctober

May be found wherever there are May be found wherever there are trees and small birds, therefore often trees and small birds, therefore often hunts at bird feedershunts at bird feeders

Bald EagleBald Eagle

Bald EagleBald Eagle

Bald EagleBald Eagle

Family: Accipitridae, the hawks, kites, and Family: Accipitridae, the hawks, kites, and eagleseagles

Juveniles are dark brown, with small white Juveniles are dark brown, with small white patches. Takes four to five years to have patches. Takes four to five years to have white head and tail.white head and tail.

Typically found along rivers and near Typically found along rivers and near reservoirs. reservoirs.

Most often seen in winter in NE Kansas, Most often seen in winter in NE Kansas, but a few breeding pairs can be found at but a few breeding pairs can be found at some of the larger reservoirs.some of the larger reservoirs.

Primarily eat dead/injured waterfowl, fish, Primarily eat dead/injured waterfowl, fish, and carrion. and carrion.

Red-tailed Hawk (lower bird)Red-tailed Hawk (lower bird)

Red-tailed Hawk (lower bird)Red-tailed Hawk (lower bird)

Red-tailed Hawk scavenges Red-tailed Hawk scavenges on White-tailed Deer on White-tailed Deer carcass (Video compliments carcass (Video compliments of Ken Highfill)of Ken Highfill)

Red-tailed HawkRed-tailed Hawk

Family: Accipitridae, the hawks, kites, and Family: Accipitridae, the hawks, kites, and eagleseagles

Most common and widespread large hawk Most common and widespread large hawk throughout the eastern half of the state. throughout the eastern half of the state.

Uses utility poles along highways and Uses utility poles along highways and roads as hunting perches.roads as hunting perches.

Feeds on small mammals and reptiles Feeds on small mammals and reptiles along roadsides, but also scavenge along roadsides, but also scavenge roadkills roadkills

Eastern Eastern Screech-Screech-

OwlOwl

Taxidermy mount from KU Natural History MuseumTaxidermy mount from KU Natural History Museum

Eastern Eastern Screech-Screech-

OwlOwl

Taxidermy mount from KU Natural History Taxidermy mount from KU Natural History MuseumMuseum

Eastern Screech-OwlEastern Screech-Owl

Family: Strigidae, the Typical OwlsFamily: Strigidae, the Typical Owls Year-round residentYear-round resident Our smallest residential owl (there Our smallest residential owl (there

are smaller migratory owls though)are smaller migratory owls though) Only about 8 ½ inches high!Only about 8 ½ inches high! Call is a descending whinny and/or a Call is a descending whinny and/or a

monotone trill.monotone trill.

Great Horned Owl

Taxidermy mount from KU Natural History Taxidermy mount from KU Natural History MuseumMuseum

Great Great Horned Horned

OwlOwl

Great Horned OwlGreat Horned Owl

Family: Strigidae, the Typical OwlsFamily: Strigidae, the Typical Owls Year-round residentYear-round resident Our largest owl in KansasOur largest owl in Kansas Our earliest breeding bird in Kansas—Our earliest breeding bird in Kansas—

calls for mates during November and calls for mates during November and December, and is usually incubating December, and is usually incubating eggs in January.eggs in January.

Call sounds like: “Whose awake? Me, Call sounds like: “Whose awake? Me, too”too”

Barn OwlBarn Owl

Taxidermy mount from KU Natural History MuseumTaxidermy mount from KU Natural History Museum

Barn OwlBarn Owl

Family: Tytonidae, the Barn OwlsFamily: Tytonidae, the Barn Owls Common, permanent resident in eastern Common, permanent resident in eastern

Kansas.Kansas. Occur frequently in suburban areas, parks, and Occur frequently in suburban areas, parks, and

cemeteries but are more often heard than cemeteries but are more often heard than seen.seen.

Lays eggs from mid-March to mid-May.Lays eggs from mid-March to mid-May. Eats insects and other arthropods in summer; Eats insects and other arthropods in summer;

small mammals, chiefly mice, and small birds small mammals, chiefly mice, and small birds are eaten in winter.are eaten in winter.

Barred OwlBarred Owl

Barred OwlBarred Owl

Family: Strigidae, the Typical OwlsFamily: Strigidae, the Typical Owls Smaller than Great Horned Owl, but chunky Smaller than Great Horned Owl, but chunky

without ear-tuftswithout ear-tufts Much more likely than other owls to be Much more likely than other owls to be

heard during daytime.heard during daytime. Common in woods, river bottoms and Common in woods, river bottoms and

wetlands.wetlands. Call sounds like, “Who cooks for you? Who Call sounds like, “Who cooks for you? Who

cooks for you all…?”cooks for you all…?”

American KestrelAmerican Kestrel

American KestrelAmerican Kestrel

American KestrelAmerican Kestrel

Family: Falconidae, the falconsFamily: Falconidae, the falcons Smallest falcon speciesSmallest falcon species Hunts grasshoppers in summer and Hunts grasshoppers in summer and

small rodents in winter (typically).small rodents in winter (typically). Can wind-hover—stays in one place Can wind-hover—stays in one place

while hovering over a fieldwhile hovering over a field Can see infrared urine trails in the Can see infrared urine trails in the

grass left by mice.grass left by mice.

Medium-sized Land BirdsMedium-sized Land Birds

Downy WoodpeckerDowny Woodpecker

Downy WoodpeckerDowny Woodpecker

Family: Picidae, the woodpeckersFamily: Picidae, the woodpeckers Smallest woodpecker in KansasSmallest woodpecker in Kansas Males have red crown patch. Females don’t have Males have red crown patch. Females don’t have

any red on head.any red on head. Eats sunflower seeds from feeders, but prefers suet Eats sunflower seeds from feeders, but prefers suet

from suet feeders.from suet feeders. Shy birds, often hide on opposite side of tree trunkShy birds, often hide on opposite side of tree trunk Use their tail as a brace when they climb up a tree.Use their tail as a brace when they climb up a tree. In winter can be found in mixed flocks of In winter can be found in mixed flocks of

chickadees, kinglets and titmice.chickadees, kinglets and titmice.

Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied WoodpeckerRed-bellied Woodpecker

Family: Picidae, the woodpeckersFamily: Picidae, the woodpeckers About the size of a blue jay.About the size of a blue jay. Readily eats suet from a suet feeder Readily eats suet from a suet feeder

and also likes orange halves.and also likes orange halves. Females have red on the back of head Females have red on the back of head

and nape of neck, but not on top of and nape of neck, but not on top of head or forehead, like the males do.head or forehead, like the males do.

Northern Northern FlickerFlicker

Northern FlickerNorthern Flicker

Northern FlickerNorthern Flicker

Family: Picidae, the woodpeckersFamily: Picidae, the woodpeckers Common year-roundCommon year-round Found in open woodland, parks and Found in open woodland, parks and

areas with shorter grass.areas with shorter grass. Can be seen foraging on the ground.Can be seen foraging on the ground. Generally the “yellow-shafted” race Generally the “yellow-shafted” race

is found here.is found here.

Mourning DoveMourning Dove

Mourning DoveMourning Dove

Family: Columbidae, the pigeons and Family: Columbidae, the pigeons and dovesdoves

Mates for lifeMates for life Resident in Kansas year-round.Resident in Kansas year-round. Mostly feeds on ground, but will sit on Mostly feeds on ground, but will sit on

a platform feeder also.a platform feeder also. Eats sunflower seed, corn, grains.Eats sunflower seed, corn, grains. There is a hunting season on this bird.There is a hunting season on this bird.

Typical SongbirdsTypical Songbirds

Tufted TitmouseTufted Titmouse

Tufted TitmouseTufted Titmouse

Family: Paridae, the chickadees and Family: Paridae, the chickadees and titmicetitmice

Size of a chickadeeSize of a chickadee Often associates with chickadeesOften associates with chickadees Year-round residentYear-round resident If you have a good wooded habitat, If you have a good wooded habitat,

they will come to feeders for seed.they will come to feeders for seed.

Red-breasted NuthatchRed-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted NuthatchRed-breasted Nuthatch

Family: Sittidae, the nuthatchesFamily: Sittidae, the nuthatches Occurs mainly in winter, in areas with Occurs mainly in winter, in areas with

extensive conifers (pine trees)extensive conifers (pine trees) Found most winters in appropriate Found most winters in appropriate

habitathabitat Very inquisitive and can easily be lured Very inquisitive and can easily be lured

into a couple of feet of the observer.into a couple of feet of the observer. Prefers sunflower seeds and shelled Prefers sunflower seeds and shelled

peanuts at feeders.peanuts at feeders.

White-breasted NuthatchWhite-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted NuthatchWhite-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted NuthatchWhite-breasted Nuthatch

Family: Sittidae, the nuthatchesFamily: Sittidae, the nuthatches Present all year, numbers increase in Present all year, numbers increase in

winter from northern birds moving down winter from northern birds moving down here.here.

Climbs up and down and around tree Climbs up and down and around tree trunks and limbs. Moves down tree head trunks and limbs. Moves down tree head first (most birds do not). first (most birds do not).

Very vocal.Very vocal. Readily comes to feeders, especially suet, Readily comes to feeders, especially suet,

also eats insects.also eats insects.

Blue JayBlue Jay

Blue JayBlue Jay

Family: Corvidae, the Corvids, crows and jaysFamily: Corvidae, the Corvids, crows and jays Common resident in KansasCommon resident in Kansas Readily eats seed from feeders and also likes Readily eats seed from feeders and also likes

acorns and other nuts.acorns and other nuts. Territorial and very aggressive, especially Territorial and very aggressive, especially

when nesting.when nesting. Migrates farther south in the fall, and our Migrates farther south in the fall, and our

winter birds may be northern breeders, or our winter birds may be northern breeders, or our numbers may simply be augmented by numbers may simply be augmented by northern birds.northern birds.

American CrowAmerican Crow

American CrowAmerican Crow

Family: Corvidae, the crows and jaysFamily: Corvidae, the crows and jays Common, year-round residentCommon, year-round resident Our largest crowOur largest crow Like all corvids, is extremely Like all corvids, is extremely

intelligent.intelligent.

Black-capped ChickadeeBlack-capped Chickadee

Black-capped ChickadeeBlack-capped Chickadee

Family: Paridae, chickadees and titmiceFamily: Paridae, chickadees and titmice Small, gregarious birdsSmall, gregarious birds Year-round residentsYear-round residents Readily eats sunflower seeds at feedersReadily eats sunflower seeds at feeders Often found in mixed flocks with downy Often found in mixed flocks with downy

woodpeckers, kinglets and titmice in winter.woodpeckers, kinglets and titmice in winter. This species has been hit hard by West Nile This species has been hit hard by West Nile

Virus, and their numbers have declined in Virus, and their numbers have declined in recent years.recent years.

Cedar WaxwingCedar Waxwing

Cedar WaxwingCedar Waxwing

Family: Bombycillidae, the waxwingsFamily: Bombycillidae, the waxwings A few nest here in summer, typically found A few nest here in summer, typically found

in groups in the winter.in groups in the winter. Found in open habitats where berries are Found in open habitats where berries are

available (what they eat), also insects, available (what they eat), also insects, sap, flower petals.sap, flower petals.

Have been known to eat fermented berries Have been known to eat fermented berries until they are too “drunk” to fly.until they are too “drunk” to fly.

Habit of passing food from one to another Habit of passing food from one to another along a line until someone finally eats it.along a line until someone finally eats it.

American RobinAmerican Robin

American RobinAmerican Robin

Family: Turdidae, the thrushesFamily: Turdidae, the thrushes Often called the “harbinger of spring”, Often called the “harbinger of spring”,

although it is found in Kansas during most although it is found in Kansas during most winters. May move farther south when it is winters. May move farther south when it is really cold and back again when it is a really cold and back again when it is a moderate winter.moderate winter.

Does not eat at feeders, but a common yard Does not eat at feeders, but a common yard bird. bird.

Eats earthworms. Hunts for them by Eats earthworms. Hunts for them by listening for their movements under the soil listening for their movements under the soil and then digging them up with their sharp and then digging them up with their sharp beak.beak.

Eastern BluebirdEastern Bluebird

Eastern BluebirdEastern Bluebird

Family: Turdidae, the thrushesFamily: Turdidae, the thrushes Summer breeder, winter resident.Summer breeder, winter resident. Cavity nesters, often out-competed Cavity nesters, often out-competed

for nest space by non-native birds.for nest space by non-native birds. Population was in serious decline Population was in serious decline

until people started putting up until people started putting up bluebird houses all over the country.bluebird houses all over the country.

Finches, BuntingsFinches, Buntings

Northern CardinalNorthern Cardinal

Northern CardinalNorthern Cardinal

Family: Cardinalidae, the cardinalsFamily: Cardinalidae, the cardinals Males are bright red while females are a dull Males are bright red while females are a dull

brown with red tinges.brown with red tinges. Seed eatersSeed eaters Must eat at platform feeders or on the Must eat at platform feeders or on the

ground—their beak is too big to fit in most ground—their beak is too big to fit in most feeder holes.feeder holes.

Extremely strong beak to crack open tough Extremely strong beak to crack open tough seeds.seeds.

Year-round resident.Year-round resident.

House FinchHouse Finch

House FinchHouse Finch

House FinchHouse Finch

Family: Fringillidae, the finchesFamily: Fringillidae, the finches Males have red wash on face, head Males have red wash on face, head

and chest. Females are brown and and chest. Females are brown and white streaked.white streaked.

Readily eat sunflower seed from Readily eat sunflower seed from feeders.feeders.

They occur where humans live.They occur where humans live.

American GoldfinchAmerican Goldfinch

American GoldfinchAmerican Goldfinch

American GoldfinchAmerican Goldfinch

Family: Fringillidae, the finchesFamily: Fringillidae, the finches Will eat sunflower seed or thistle (nyger) Will eat sunflower seed or thistle (nyger)

seed from feeder.seed from feeder. They are a duller, greenish-yellow in They are a duller, greenish-yellow in

winter, and in late April, the males molt to winter, and in late April, the males molt to the very bright yellow.the very bright yellow.

Latest nesting bird in Kansas—they nest in Latest nesting bird in Kansas—they nest in July and August when the thistles have July and August when the thistles have gone to seed. They use the fluff from the gone to seed. They use the fluff from the seed to line their nests and the seed is seed to line their nests and the seed is their main food source.their main food source.

Tanagers, BlackbirdsTanagers, Blackbirds

European StarlingEuropean Starling

European StarlingEuropean Starling

Family: Sturnidae, the starlingsFamily: Sturnidae, the starlings Non-native bird, introduced from Europe.Non-native bird, introduced from Europe. Introduced in New York City because a group of Introduced in New York City because a group of

people there thought every bird ever mentioned in people there thought every bird ever mentioned in Shakespeare’s writings should be released in Shakespeare’s writings should be released in America.America.

Starlings spread across the continent and are very Starlings spread across the continent and are very aggressive, opportunistic birds that will literally eat aggressive, opportunistic birds that will literally eat anything.anything.

Common wherever people are found.Common wherever people are found. Also a cavity-nester and out-competes our native Also a cavity-nester and out-competes our native

cavity nesting birds. cavity nesting birds. Very destructive for native populations of birds.Very destructive for native populations of birds.

SparrowsSparrows

House SparrowHouse Sparrow

House SparrowHouse Sparrow

Family: Passeridae, the passerinesFamily: Passeridae, the passerines Not really a sparrow. Rather they are a Not really a sparrow. Rather they are a

weaver finch from Europe. Colonial weaver finch from Europe. Colonial nester.nester.

Not native. They out-compete our native Not native. They out-compete our native cavity nesting birds and have been the cavity nesting birds and have been the main culprit for the decline of bluebirds main culprit for the decline of bluebirds and purple martins (which now nest and purple martins (which now nest mainly in man-made nest boxes).mainly in man-made nest boxes).

Dark-eyed JuncoDark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed JuncoDark-eyed Junco

Family: Emberizidae, the towhees, Family: Emberizidae, the towhees, sparrows, longspurs and Emberiza sparrows, longspurs and Emberiza buntings.buntings.

Winter resident. Found from Winter resident. Found from October-April in Kansas. Feeds October-April in Kansas. Feeds primarily on the ground.primarily on the ground.

Seed eater—readily eats sunflower Seed eater—readily eats sunflower seed, and generally eats on the seed, and generally eats on the ground below feeders.ground below feeders.

American Tree SparrowAmerican Tree Sparrow

American Tree SparrowAmerican Tree Sparrow

American Tree SparrowAmerican Tree Sparrow

Family: Emberizidae, a large family Family: Emberizidae, a large family that includes the sparrowsthat includes the sparrows

Winter residentWinter resident Typically has the dark spot on breastTypically has the dark spot on breast

White-throated SparrowWhite-throated Sparrow

White-throated SparrowWhite-throated Sparrow

Family: Emberizidae, a large family Family: Emberizidae, a large family that includes the sparrowsthat includes the sparrows

Winter residentWinter resident Large, long-tailed sparrow with Large, long-tailed sparrow with

striking black and white stripes on the striking black and white stripes on the crown. crown.

KEY MARK: Has yellow lores (between KEY MARK: Has yellow lores (between beak and eyes)beak and eyes)

White-crowned SparrowWhite-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned SparrowWhite-crowned Sparrow

Family: Emberizidae, a large family Family: Emberizidae, a large family that includes the sparrowsthat includes the sparrows

Winter residentWinter resident Large, long-tailed sparrow with Large, long-tailed sparrow with

striking black and white stripes on striking black and white stripes on the crown.the crown.

ReferencesReferences

Birds in Kansas, Volumes I and II, by Birds in Kansas, Volumes I and II, by Max Thompson and Charles Ely.Max Thompson and Charles Ely.

National Geographic Field Guide to National Geographic Field Guide to North American Birds.North American Birds.

Kauffman Focus Guide to North Kauffman Focus Guide to North American Birds.American Birds.

References, cont.References, cont.

Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds, Fourth Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds, Fourth Edition, 1980, by Roger Tory PetersonEdition, 1980, by Roger Tory Peterson

Peterson Field Guide to Advanced Birding, 1990, Peterson Field Guide to Advanced Birding, 1990, by Kenn Kaufmanby Kenn Kaufman

““Educators Guide to Bird Study”, Cornell Educators Guide to Bird Study”, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, accessed May 3, 2007, Laboratory of Ornithology, accessed May 3, 2007, online at online at http://http://www.birds.cornell.edu/schoolyard/index.htmlwww.birds.cornell.edu/schoolyard/index.html

Kansas Ornithological Society Checklist of Birds, Kansas Ornithological Society Checklist of Birds, 10th edition, 2003, accessed May 3, 2007, online 10th edition, 2003, accessed May 3, 2007, online at at http://www.ksbirds.org/kos/kos_pubs.htmlhttp://www.ksbirds.org/kos/kos_pubs.html