Song Sparrow
From Natural History of Southeast Alaska
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) Common in all seasons. Best observed along shorelines.
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | Common | Common | Common |
Preferred Habitats: High Tide Line, Beach Fringe, Residential
Breeding Status: Common
Family: Emberizidae
Breeding Habitats: Beach Fringe
Eats: Ranunculus repens, Atriplex gmelinii, Rubus spectabilis
Documented in the Sitka area
J Dan Webster
Common at all seasons, on or near the beach; however, the winter population is different from the summer population. The Christmas count recorded several individuals 26 of the 28 years. Grinnell (1909) reported a nest with eggs 23 June 1907 near Hoonah, found by Stephens.
Specimens of M. m. rufina, the breeding subspecies, were reported by Bonaparte (1850), Dall and Bannister (1869), and Willett (1914); I studied specimens taken by several collectors in several years on dates from 18 March to 31 August Specimens of M. m. caurina, which winters, were reported by Willett (1914), Swarth (1909), and Gabrielson and Lincoln (1959); I studied fifteen specimens of caurina taken by various collectors on dates from 8 August to 11 April. Specimens of M. m. kenaensis were reported by Gabrielson and Lincoln from Idaho Inlet in December (day and year unspecified) and St. Lazaria Island 15 August 1912.
