Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
This is the most widely distributed of all our native sparrows,
appearing in one form or another from Florida to Alaska and range in
color from pale to dark brown.
The song sparrows love water and are most numerous where streams, ponds, or
marshes offer dense cover, but yards with shrubs and vines will
attract them.
Their space requirements are small. A pair will live and nest in 1-1/2
acres or less. They nest on or near the ground, both parents help
raise the young, and they raise up to four broods a year. Cowbirds
often lay eggs in their nests, and are considered with dogs, cats, and
rats as their greatest enemies.
There are many sparrows with spotted breasts, but the heavy dot in
the center of the chest and the streaks on breast and flanks
distinguish this bird from others.