Watercolor portrait of Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii
Breeds across boreal Canada, the norther… Moist shrubby edges, bogs, willow and al… uncommon Dawn song

Learn to identify the Lincoln's Sparrow by ear. Master the "sweet-sweet-trill-trill-trill-chew" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“sweet-sweet-trill-trill-trill-chew”

What the Lincoln's Sparrow sounds like

A shy, finely-streaked sparrow of dense brush, Lincoln’s Sparrow is best known for its sweet, gurgling song delivered from hidden perches. Smaller and slimmer than a Song Sparrow, it slips through willow thickets and wet meadows where it forages mostly on or near the ground.

“sweet-sweet-trill-trill-trill-chew”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A rich, musical series that begins with two or three clear notes, drops into a rapid, buzzy trill, and finishes with a short flourish. Often written as “sweet-sweet-trill-trill-trill-chew”.
Don't confuse with:The Song Sparrow — larger with heavier streaking that often forms a central spot on breast

Where you'll hear it

Moist shrubby edges, bogs, willow and alder thickets, wet meadows, forest clear-cuts with thick regrowth; in winter, dense chaparral, riparian tangles, and brushy grasslands.

Long-distance migrant: arrives on breeding grounds late May–June; southbound migration August–October; winters November–March.

Similar species

Song Sparrow

Larger with heavier streaking that often forms a central spot on breast

Swamp Sparrow

Plainer gray breast without streaks

Lincoln's Sparrow song FAQ

What does a Lincoln's Sparrow sound like?
A rich, musical series that begins with two or three clear notes, drops into a rapid, buzzy trill, and finishes with a short flourish. Listen for the "sweet-sweet-trill-trill-trill-chew" phrase.
How do I tell a Lincoln's Sparrow from a Song Sparrow by sound?
Song Sparrow: Larger with heavier streaking that often forms a central spot on breast; Broader gray and brown face stripes; tail often vigorously pumped; Song is more varied and louder, lacking the delicate trill of Lincoln’s.
When is the best time to hear a Lincoln's Sparrow?
Long-distance migrant: arrives on breeding grounds late May–June; southbound migration August–October; winters November–March.