In response to Russell Rogers request as to what the Timberline Sparrow
looks and sounds like:

Judging from specimens in the UBC collection, taverneri is a bit larger
and darker than breweri. In particular the dorsal streaking is more
blackish and less brownish, and the colour of the sides grayer rather than
light buff. Taverneri may have a stronger malar streak, but I'd like to
see more specimens. I wouldn't want to have to identify them in the
field, especially a lone migrant. I've only heard one Timberline Sparrow
singing in my life, and it was clearly a "Brewer's" Sparrow; Bruce
MacGillivray tells me they sound like breweri on helium.

Richard J. Cannings cannings at bcu.ubc.ca
Cowan Vertebrate Museum vertmus at bcu.ubc.ca
Department of Zoology, (604)822-4665
University of British Columbia (604)822-2416 (FAX)
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 CANADA