photo by Phil Swanson

Melospiza lincolnii
L 5 3/4″ (15 cm).

Song or calls:
Song is rich, loud, rapid bubbling trill.

Description: Sexes similar. Buffy-brown upperparts with dark striping on buffy back. Buffy wash and fine streaks on breast and sides; central breast spot usually lacking; whitish, unstreaked belly. Gray central crown stripe bordered by reddish-brown stripes; broad gray eyebrow; pale buffy mustache stripe; and buffy eye ring. Juvenile is paler overall.

Habitat: Streamside thickets, thick weedy areas, and other dense grassy or weedy areas close to water. Occasionally seen in residential areas.

Where in Nebraska: Common spring and fall migrant across the state.

 
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