I'm leaning towards a Lincoln's Sparrow. The broad, gray, supercillium (line above the eye), the auricular (ear) area being dark and well-defined, apparent lack of strong rufous tones in the primaries and primary coverts, and lack of a strong, white chin (appears more buffy), lead me to think this is a Lincoln's versus Swamp Sparrow. They are identical in size and this bird is definitely smaller than the associated Song and White-throated Sparrows, so size doesn't help distinguish the two species. That broad, gray supercillium is distinctive to Lincoln's and would be a much more narrower stripe in Swamp Sparrow.

BN

Thanks, BN, now I'm really confused (sparrows do that to me). Yesterday I saw the sparrow pictured above at the same time as a similar sparrow, see below.

Hmm...well, the second one in the back coloring, and especially the rufous tail, certainly point to Swamp Sparrow. It is possible that the first bird you posted a pic of is a first-year Swamp Sparrow that just hasn't gotten all the nice rufous feathers on the wings and tail as the bird in the second set of pics shows. Both of these birds have a wide gray supercillium, so maybe that isn't as much as of a distinguishing features as I first thought! LOL. Hey, we all learn something. :-) The second bird I would have to say is definitely a Swamp Sparrow though, and the first I would feel confident calling a Swamp as well, but it is probably a first-year bird (hatched last year), which doesn't matter with your GBBC report. Plus, now that I see your location, a Lincoln's in coastal Mass. at this time of year would be pretty rare. Lincoln's winter in the south coast states and southwest.

Thanks, BN. I'm happy with the Swamp Sparrow ID since that's reasonable for coastal MA - (the old saying "If you hear hoof beats and neighing in the night, think horses, not zebras.") The last time I saw a Swamp Sparrow was after a snow storm and that certainly fits for this winter. If your usual food source is buried in snow, then fly up to Claire's yard and feeders. It snowed again today.

It's hard to get a picture of colors on a bird when it's snowing. There was a short break of sun when I saw the second sparrow.

Claire

I'd say Swamp Sparrow as well. I don't see the fine breast/flank streaks of a Lincoln's, and the black eyeline extends back and thickens behind the auriculars. Plus, Swamp would be the more likely find in MA during winter.

Thanks, tmff! Sometimes I think sparrows were put on this earth to keep birders humble.

Claire

I vote swamp sparrow as well. I see them here but more usually under good cover in the bog part of my property.

Thanks, compost_hugger_nancy! I'm still seeing the first one regularly, but if this snow ever melts it will probably fly back down to the wetlands down the hill.

Claire