Immature Song Sparrow in Full Song
Immature Song Sparrow in Full Song
On July 9, 1926, I was surprised to see and hear an immature Rusty Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia morphna) in full song. The performance was also witnessed by Prof. M. E. Peck of Willamette University, an experienced observer. We were on the porch of a residence a few miles south of Portland, Oregon, when we noticed a young Song Sparrow attempting to sing. It was so close that there could be no question but that it was immature. At first the song was subdued in volume, as though the bird were merely trying out its voice. It flitted from branch to branch, attempting to sing a couple of times, till within about eight feet of us, then burst forth into full, unrestrained song, not by us to be distinguished from the song of an adult. This was repeated several times.
Wm. E. Sherwood
San Fernando, California, April 22, 1929
