> Saturday at the Grays Harbor CBC, Area 1, one bird stumped seven
>observers.
>Description:
>Smaller than a Song Sparrow and larger than a Winter Wren. About 5".
>Dark brown above, particularly in wings and tail. On its back, a patch or
>patches of a lighter, redder brown...rufous or rusty, perhaps. Breast and
>belly probably whitish or pale brown, possibly with rufous tones in flanks.
>Unknown whether streaked or spotted. Buffy undertail coverts? Tail entirely
>dark brown (that is, no pale tips, no white edges) and proportionately
>short. There may have been a whitish eye line of some kind. Bill probably
>slender, slightly decurved, and possibly yellow or paler at the base.
>

The bird you have described may have been a swamp sparrow. They are very
dark looking and could easily give one the impression of song sparrow. They
fly low and in a fashion similar to song sparrow. I think they even pump
their tails on occasion.
The swamp sparrow is also an overlooked species along the west coast, and
sightings have been increasing over the past few years.

cheers,

Don Cecile
dcecile at cln.etc.bc.ca
Cheers,

Don Cecile
Port Alberni, B.C. Canada
dcecile at cln.etc.bc.ca.