I've found the best way to learn *Rufina (Alaska) ssp group* song sparrows
(if you can't see them all in person) is to compare photos when they're the
only birds present. You could do better, but I included reference notes in
this list for a San Francisco Rufina Song Sparrow that might be a good
starting point
https://ebird.org/checklist/S159101798


For comparison, in the list's ssp account I include links to papers;
breeding notes and *morphology from Pyle*; and *links to photos of each
subspecies* in their breeding range where and when they're the only ssp
present for comparison. I only include migratory ssp.


Best,
Stephen T
Vagrant to south India

On Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 5:17 AM Rob Faucett via Tweeters <
tweeters at u.washington.edu> wrote:


> For the group.

> -;

> Rob Faucett

> +1(206) 619-5569

> robfaucett at mac.com

> Seattle, WA 98105

>

> Begin forwarded message:

>

> *From:* Rob Faucett <robfaucett at mac.com>

> *Date:* February 9, 2025 at 2:44:46 PM PST

> *To:* Stephen Elston <stephen.elston at gmail.com>

> *Subject:* *Re: [Tweeters] Alaskan Song Sparrows*

>

> They are VERY dark and VERY HUMONGOUS. compared to ours. Those that stay

> here to breed.

>

> Good question.

>

> Rob

> -;

> Rob Faucett

> +1(206) 619-5569

> robfaucett at mac.com

> Seattle, WA 98105

>

> On Feb 9, 2025, at 12:32 PM, Stephen Elston via Tweeters <

> tweeters at u.washington.edu> wrote:

>

> 

> How does one tell if a Song Sparrow is an 'Alaskan' Song Sparrow? Thank

> you, Steve

>

>

> On Sun, Feb 9, 2025 at 10:24 AM Rob Faucett via Tweeters <

> tweeters at u.washington.edu> wrote:

>

>> My "my" Alaskan Song Sparrows are back. Here we go!!

>>

>> Enjoy the birdy bowl!!

>>

>> Rob

>> -;

>> Rob Faucett

>> +1(206) 619-5569

>> robfaucett at mac.com

>> Seattle, WA 98105

>> _______________________________________________

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>> Tweeters at u.washington.edu

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>>

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