Sparrows

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

A shy, finely streaked sparrow with buffy breast streaks, a buffy moustache stripe, and a distinctive wren-like bubbling song. Often stays hidden in dense vegetation.

Current regional viewing notes

Muskeg edges, willow thickets, and boggy meadows near Hoonah; skulks in dense cover and is more often heard than seen.

Dataset note: This legacy field can be specific to Southeast Alaska/Hoonah and is not a complete statewide range statement.

Habitat

Boggy meadows, muskeg edges, willow thickets, and riparian brush.

Diet

Insects during breeding season; seeds and berries at other times.

Natural history note

Lincoln's Sparrow was first collected by Thomas Lincoln, a young companion of John James Audubon, during an 1833 expedition to Labrador.