Song Sparrow

This Song Sparrow photo was taken at Lighthouse State Park near Westport, Washington, on 25 September 2021. Song Sparrows are one of the most variable North American songbirds. Up to 52 races of this species have been described, although only about 38 are recognized by the American Ornithological Society, the arbitrator of such matters. We thought this individual was paler overall, but with a much deeper chestnut tail than our Olympia birds. All, however, should be Melospiza melodia morphna.