Hi,

I agree, but some of the other markings are not consistent with Fox
sparrow, such as the streaks on the back, the gray supercilliary
(whatever its called, and the rufous crown. These other marks lead me
to believe that it is probably a hybrid rather than a pure Fox sparrow
with abherrent plumage.

--- Michael & Janka Hobbs <MJCT_Hobbs at email.msn.com> wrote:
> >The white auricular patch is part of the kicker. I
> saw it
> >again yesterday, and the bill is two-tone, with the
> >lower mandible being noticeably lighter in color than
> >the upper. Perhaps this is further evidence of my
> >speculation that it is a Fox sparrow hybrid of some
> >sort. I will try again for photos tommorrow.
>
>
> With a two-tone bill, it has to be (at least
> partially) Fox Sparrow. Whenever there's a bird with
> strange WHITE markings, you
> should also consider partial albinism. A small
> genetic hiccup could account for the loss of pigment
> in those areas.
>
> == Michael Hobbs
> == Kirkland WA
> == MJCT_Hobbs at msn.com
>
>
>




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