Depending on the range map you view, White-throated Sparrows are an uncommon winter bird in southern Wisconsin. They are common to about central Illinois. I’ve counted birds for Project Feederwatch for more than two decades now, and I’ve never had a White-throated Sparrow stay for the winter. I think this season could be the exception.
This little guy (or gal—the adults look the same) showed up with a flock of juncos, and despite four snowstorms so far and several nights with temperatures below zero, he appears to be here for the long haul. I wonder if he’s regretting his decision.
I see White-Throated Sparrows each spring and fall during the migration, but they usually only stay around for a few weeks and then move on.
These birds usually forage for seeds and insects on or near the ground. It’s chilly on the ground right now with all that snow, so my visitor likes to hang out on the platform feeder which is elevated about 5 feet in the air. I make sure there’s always plenty of food, but it’s hard to keep up with a marauding band of starlings plus a coffee klatsch of 13 Mourning Doves on the loose.