Some sparrows do have a black throat. One example is the Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata). This species is known for its distinctive black throat patch, which extends down to its upper breast. The black throat contrasts sharply with the bird’s white face and grayish-brown upperparts. The Black-throated Sparrow is a small songbird found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
On the other hand, there is another sparrow species called the Bell’s Sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli), which does not have a black throat. In fact, the adult Bell’s Sparrow has a gray head and a white eyering. This distinguishing feature sets it apart from the Black-throated Sparrow. The Bell’s Sparrow is also found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, typically inhabiting sagebrush and other shrubby habitats.
When observing adult sparrows, it’s important to pay attention to these specific characteristics to differentiate between species. The black throat of the Black-throated Sparrow and the gray head with a white eyering of the Bell’s Sparrow are reliable field marks that help identify these birds.
In my personal experience as a birdwatcher, I have encountered both the Black-throated Sparrow and the Bell’s Sparrow in their respective habitats. The first time I saw a Black-throated Sparrow, I was struck by its bold white eyebrow and extensive black throat. It was a beautiful contrast against the arid landscape. On another occasion, I spotted a Bell’s Sparrow perched on a sagebrush. Its gray head and white eyering stood out, and it was fascinating to observe how different it looked from the Black-throated Sparrow.
To summarize, while the Black-throated Sparrow possesses a black throat, the Bell’s Sparrow does not. These visual distinctions in the throat coloration, along with other features, help birdwatchers and researchers identify and differentiate between these two species of sparrows.