Many spring migrant species of birds pass through our yards and small wooded areas near our homes each year. We are overjoyed when we see a short-termed “fallout” of a few species of the colorful warblers darting through the trees, even if they only spend an hour feeding and then disappear just as quickly. A few species of birds seem to leisurely move north on their journey to their breeding grounds, providing the opportunity for us to enjoy them. Two species which can be found in almost any lightly wooded yard or small woodlot in the spring are the White-throated Sparrow and Swainson’s Thrush. Both species are fairly cryptic: staying close to the ground, feeding in the shadows and moving along the edge of downed logs and brush piles. However, it is not unusual for both species to sit on a perch in full view relying on their brown ground colors to camouflage them. When found this is great opportunity to study them.
White-throated Sparrows are present in small numbers during the winter and will often visit birdfeeders during snowy or cold weather. However, as spring arrives the plumage of the male begins to intensify in anticipation of the pending breeding season. Most of the relevant markings are on the head as the black and white crown stripes sharpen, the yellow in front of the eyes (supraloral area) brighten, and as the name implies the white throat becomes a clean, brilliant white. The genus name, Zonotrichia is from Greek “zone” meaning “banded hair” and trichos, in reference to the striped crowns of sparrows of this genus. The species name albicollis, is Latin meaning “white necked”. During late April, prior to embarking on the next phase of their northward trip, larger groups will gather. These groups become very vocal and fill the air of spring evenings with their sweet song paraphrased “Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody or Pure Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada.” Robert Lemmon referred to the song of the White-throated Sparrow as “one of the lovliest of all bird songs”. Within a few days the song decreases to a few individuals and by the second week of May they will have completely departed to the north. Historically, this species rarely nested in northern Ohio. Since 1932 there has been only one confirmed breeding record in Ohio during 1997 in Ashtabula County (Rodewald et al 2016).
As spring migration moves into its later phases, one species that arrives is the Swainson’s Thrush. Named for William Swainson, a notable English naturalist, this species was formerly known as the Olive-backed Thrush. Swainson’s Thrushes begin to arrive in early May and linger into mid and sometimes into late May. Swainson’s Thrushes, even though they are late migrants, travel to the upper peninsula of Michigan to breed. During their spring stay they inhabit a variety of woods and wood edges including urban parks and yards. As the White-throated Sparrow, it is not unusual to hear them singing later in the day during spring evenings, often being one of the last birds of the day to sing even as it becomes dark. Their genus name, Catharus, is from Greek-katharos, meaning pure or clear referring to the clear musical notes of their song. The specific name, ustulatus, is Latin for “burnt” referring to the bird’s brownish color (Meiter 2020). The song is described as an “ascending spiral of varied whistles” and was noted by Aretas Saunders as “sweet and melodious but not as clear as the Hermit Thrush”.
The Swainson’s Thrush is slightly smaller than other thrushes. Its back is entirely olive-brown and bares no reddish coloring. The Swainson’s best field mark is the distinct buffy tinge to the cheeks, sides of the head, and around the eyes. Swainson’s Thrushes show spots that are concentrated on the upper breast and throat. These markings are generally dull in color and evenly distributed.
During this spring’s migration keep an eye out along wood edges and woodland shadows for these two migrants. Better yet, keep an ear open for the sweet spring songs of these two migrants during one of the most exciting times of the year in our eastern deciduous forest.
John Watts is a retired Resource Manager, Columbus Metro Parks, and a member of the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association (ONAPA) Board Advisory Committee.
References:
Meiter, Gary H. 2020. Bird is the Word, An Historical Perspective on the Names of North American Birds. McDonald Woodward Publishing. Newark, Ohio Pp. 437.
Rodewald, Paul G. et al. 2016. The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Ohio. University Park, PA: Penn State University Press. p. 483.
Saunders, Aretas A. 1935. A Guide to Bird Songs. D. Appleton-Century Company Inc. New York, New York. Pp. 285.
Chartier, Allen T., J. Baldy, J. Brenneman. 2013. Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas II. River Run Press. Kalamazoo, Michigan p. 411-412.