Date: 9/29/26 8:20 am From: DAVID A LEATHERMAN <daleatherman...> Subject: [cobirds] Field Sparrow reports
At the risk of rocks being thrown my direction, it seems to me "Field Sparrows" are being over-reported. Yes, the occasional Field Sparrow can show up almost anywhere in CO, but they are only semi-expected on the far eastern plains. Lots of young Spizella sparrows are pouring thru at present and Brewer's Sparrows in particular can have a pinkish beak and conspicuous eyering. As such, they can look a lot like the western gray race of Field Sparrow, especially young birds. I have seen several checklists with "multiple" "Field Sparrows" on them that are suspicious. The beak of Field Sparrow is usually a deeper pink than Brewers. Field Sparrow eyering is a bit wider and brighter white. Rump of Field Sparrow is gray, that of Brewer's is brownish-gray. Photos are always good. If the bird photographed really is a Field Sparrow, the photo might prove that AND provide valuable information on which subspecies is involved. I feel for the eBird vetters.
No rocks, please, I'm stiff and dodging is more difficult by the day.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
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