Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella) [XC125096]
by Richard E. Webster from Hunter Mountain, Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, United States (chatter chorus of family group)
Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella) [XC736125]
by Patrice Mathieu from Martis Creek Lake, Nevada County, California, United States (song)
Subspecies
Apparently closely related to Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) and Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida). It has been suggested that subspecies taverneri represents a distinct species, differing in habitat preferences. Further study is required.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
taverneri Swarth & Brooks, AC, 1925 - Breeds in south-eastern Alaska and western Canada (south-western Yukon and north-western and south-eastern British Columbia and western Alberta) and northern USA (western Montana). Non-breeding range south-western USA (Arizona east to western Texas). Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Timberline Sparrow (Spizella taverneri).
breweri Cassin, 1856 - Breeds in southern Canada (extreme southern British Columbia, southern Alberta and south-western Saskatchewan) and western USA from eastern Montana, south-western North Dakota and north-eastern Colorado south to eastern and southern California, southern Nevada, central Arizona and north-western New Mexico. Non-breeding from southern edge of breeding range south to north-western and western Mexico (Baja California east to Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato and Jalisco).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet