This is most likely a Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia). It was caught in a ground trap while trapping for House Sparrows (HOSP).
It was raining outside so the breast is a bit wet, making it hard to distinguish the “”broad brown streaks that converge in messy central spot.”
Notice the light band above the eye followed by a brown band on top of head. Neither band exists in the Fox Sparrow, which is also larger, and has a rustier color in CT. This species could also be confused with a Lincoln, Ipswich or Vesper Sparrow. Photos by Bet Zimmerman Smith.
One easy way to quickly distinguish “New World” sparrows from HOSP is that many have a streaked breast, while HOSP do not.
From the back, it might be confused with a House Sparrow. However, HOSP do not have a streaked breast. It also has a longer tail, and the HOSP cap is different.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly.
– from “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” lyrics by E.Y. Harburg
