ML458564161

Age and sex

Adult, Unknown sex - 1

Media notes

Adult Chipping Sparrow in alternate plumage photographed by Curtis A. Marantz on 7 June 2022 at Chiriaco Summit, Riverside County, California. This bird's lack of a tail may be the reason why it is lingering at this site unusually late.

Observation details

An alternate-plumaged adult was foraging on lawn among House Finches. This bird was smaller than nearby House finches, and it had a well-marked head that combined a rufous cap with a white supercilium that was narrow yet well-defined, a black transocular-stripe, and gray auriculars. The underparts were light gray, but unmarked, apart from the throat appearing paler. I noted that the back was sandy-brown with dark streaking and that the pattern on the wings did not contrast conspicuously with that on the back, but I failed to notice the pattern or length of the wings. The bill and eyes were dark, but I cannot recall noting the color of the legs or feet. Quite obvious was that this bird was missing its tail altogether.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

ISO

500

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/640 sec

Dimensions

1571 pixels x 1005 pixels

Original file size

2.56 MB