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Rufous-winged Sparrow Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    A slim sparrow with a fairly long tail and a small, conical bill.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, smaller than a White-crowned Sparrow.

    Relative Sizesparrow or smallersparrow-sized or smaller

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)
      • Weight: 0.5-0.6 oz (13-17 g)
      • Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)

Regional Differences

Ornithologists typically recognize three subspecies, which differ in size and in plumage tones: carpalis of southeastern Arizona and adjacent Sonora, Mexico; bangsi of southern Sonora and adjacent northern Sinaloa; and cohaerens in central and southern Sinaloa.