Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) is a small, secretive passerine native to North America, known for its sweet, wren-like song and elusive nature[1]. This sparrow species prefers well-covered brushy habitats, often near water, making it challenging to observe and study[1]. Despite its name, the bird was not named after Abraham Lincoln, but rather after Thomas Lincoln, a companion of John James Audubon who collected the first specimen in 1833[2][5].
The species is divided into three subspecies, each with slight variations in size and coloration[1]. Lincoln's Sparrow breeds in subalpine and montane zones across Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northeastern and western United States[1]. During migration, it can be found in thickets and bushes, particularly in riparian areas, and its winter range extends from the southern United States to Mexico and northern Central America[1].
Lincoln's Sparrow is distinguished by its grayish-brown plumage with fine black streaks, a narrow buffy eye-ring, and a broad, buffy chest band with fine black streaking[3]. This unique chest pattern sets it apart from other adult sparrows[3]. The bird's habitat preferences include boggy areas with dense willow, sedge, and moss cover, reflecting its adaptation to specific ecological niches[3].
While Lincoln's Sparrow may not be as well-known as some other bird species, its subtle beauty and elusive nature make it a prized sighting for many birdwatchers, especially during migration periods[5].
林肯麻雀（Melospiza lincolnii）是一種原產於北美的小型、隱蔽的雀形目鳥類，以其甜美、類似鷦鷯的歌聲和難以捉摸的特性而聞名。這種麻雀喜歡生長在水源附近的灌木叢生地帶，使得觀察和研究變得具有挑戰性。儘管其名字中含有「林肯」，但這種鳥並非以亞伯拉罕·林肯命名，而是以托馬斯·林肯命名，後者是約翰·詹姆斯·奧杜邦的同伴，在1833年收集了第一個標本。
該物種分為三個亞種，每個亞種在體型和羽色上略有不同。林肯麻雀在加拿大、阿拉斯加以及美國東北部和西部的亞高山和山地地區繁殖。在遷徙期間，它們常出現在灌木叢和灌木中，特別是在河岸地區。其冬季棲息地範圍從美國南部延伸到墨西哥和中美洲北部。
林肯麻雀的特徵是灰褐色的羽毛上有細密的黑色條紋，窄窄的淡黃色眼圈，以及胸部有一條寬闊的淡黃色帶，上面有細密的黑色條紋。這種獨特的胸部圖案使它與其他成年麻雀區別開來。這種鳥喜歡的棲息地包括長滿濃密柳樹、莎草和苔蘚的沼澤地區，反映了它對特定生態環境的適應。
雖然林肯麻雀可能不如某些其他鳥類那麼廣為人知，但其低調的美麗和難以捉摸的特性使它成為許多觀鳥愛好者，特別是在遷徙期間，渴望一睹的目標。
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln's_sparrow
[2] https://bioone.org/journals/bulletin-of-the-british-ornithologists-club/volume-142/issue-3/bboc.v142i3.2022.a6/Audubons-diary-transcripts-were-doctored-to-support-his-false-claim/10.25226/bboc.v142i3.2022.a6.full
[3] https://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=ABPBXA3020
[4] https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lincolns_Sparrow/id
[5] https://indianaaudubon.org/2020/11/01/lincolns-sparrow/
