Watercolor portrait of Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii
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

Breeds across boreal Canada, the northern Rockies, and high montane meadows of the West; winters from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America.

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.