Chris Maack wrote -

>This description fits the way White-crowned Sparrows sound in
>Anchorage, Michael. Or anywhere I've heard them in Alaska.
>My first edition National Geo field guide says we're supposed
>to have gambelli. Doesn't mention pugetensis. Is pugetensis
>a more recent split from gambelli?

No. Gambelii has been around for a long time and is surely your
Anchorage race. There have been unconfirmed reports of
pugetensis types as far north as Kitimat on B.C's north coast.

And Michael P. had written -
>pugetensis: surr, seeee, zweetzweetzue trrrr
>(first two notes typical Zono (slangish for stripe-headed sparrow) clear
>and sweetly minor, next three buzzy, last dry-trilled, sometimes almost a dry
> rattle)

The problem with all such transliterations is that they are open to
translation by individuals. Given a couple of days with either race, and the
differences become obvious. The way I hear the two songs, pugetensis
is like a Pavarotti stuck on overly-loud Bizet, eager to shout every note,
especially the penultimate ones. Gambelii is more laid-back and lets the
melody do the talking and walking without forcing the issue.

- Jack

==========================
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca