Sparrows

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

A medium-sized streaky sparrow with a bold central breast spot and a rich, melodious song. Southeast Alaska birds are among the darkest and largest subspecies.

Current regional viewing notes

Brushy areas, gardens, and shoreline thickets throughout Hoonah; one of the most common songbirds in town.

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

Habitat

Brushy areas, thickets, garden edges, streamside vegetation, and coastal scrub.

Diet

Insects, seeds, and berries; forages on the ground among leaf litter.

Natural history note

Song Sparrows in Southeast Alaska are notably larger and darker than their counterparts elsewhere — an adaptation to the cool, wet maritime climate.