How do the breast and belly of the White-crowned Sparrow compare to the Song Sparrow's markings?
Answer
Generally plain, pale gray, lacking heavy streaks
The body plumage of the White-crowned Sparrow, particularly the underparts, relies on subdued coloration. The breast and belly generally present as a plain, pale gray. A critical field mark is that this area often lacks the heavy streaks found on many other sparrow species, specifically mentioned in contrast to the Song Sparrow. If an observer notes distinct, heavy streaks running down the flanks or across the breast in a thick central spot, it strongly suggests the bird belongs to a different sparrow species, as the White-crowned Sparrow maintains a much cleaner underpart appearance.
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