Individual White-throated Sparrows have either white stripes on their head or tan stripes. These distinct color forms are genetic in origin. White-striped birds are more aggressive than tan-striped ones, and each bird almost always mates with a bird whose stripe color is opposite from their own.
White-throated Sparrows with white striped heads are known to sing and contribute to the defense of their breeding whether male or female. Tan striped females do not exhibit the same behavior.
White-throated Sparrows are known to migrate at night and begin their flights around sunset. Some research studies suggest they use star patterns as one means of navigation.
Watch for White-throated Sparrows feeding on the ground while flipping aside leaves with their bill or by scratching away the leaf litter with a series of quick kicks with their feet.
White-throated Sparrows and the Dark-eyed Juncos have been known to occasionally mate and produce hybrids.
White-throated Sparrows show loyalty to their winter territories and are likely to return to the same areas each year.
Individual White-throated Sparrows have either white stripes on their head or tan stripes. These distinct color forms are genetic in origin. White-striped birds are more aggressive than tan-striped ones, and each bird almost always mates with a bird whose stripe color is opposite from their own.