The Savannah Sparrow is a familiar bird to many of us, abundant in our farmlands, fields, grasslands, shrublands, shores, roadsides, and other open habitats. You can find them across the northern U.S. and Canada during the nesting and migration seasons, and you’ll spot them overwintering in the southern U.S. or Mexico. This particular individual looks a little different than your average Savannah Sparrow – notice anything unusual? It is somewhat larger and heavier that a typical Savannah Sparrow, and its brown shades and yellow eye spot are considerably paler. This is an “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow, a subspecies that nests exclusively on Sable Island, Nova Scotia and winters at various locations along the Atlantic Coast. If you find yourself near spotting sparrows near the shore, be sure to keep and eye out for the subtle shades of this sparrow!
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
