There are approximately 138 species of sparrows worldwide. The American Birding Association (ABA) lists 43 species in the United States, including towhees and juncoes.
The White-throated sparrow is a favorite of mine with their handsome yellow eyebrows that are called lores.
Only 200 years ago, there were no house sparrows on the entire continent of North America. Today, it is estimated that there are over 150 million.
6 pairs of House Sparrow were brought from England and released in New York City in 1851 with the intention of controlling caterpillar populations that were damaging local trees. The House Sparrows thrived and quickly spread across the continent, becoming one of the most common birds in the United States.
With a beak full of nesting material. 'ti's the season!
Juncos are a small North American bird in the New World sparrow family Passerellidae. Until I read more information about them for various photo posts I've made on Hive I had no idea that Juncos are sparrows.
And Towhees are large sparrows! They are such pretty birds and I see them only infrequently here.
Daughter Ella captured most of these photos at the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary near Lake Michigan in Chicago. It is a hot spot for birdwatchers, especially during migration times in the spring and fall.
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