Song Sparrows Song sparrows from different regions can look slightly different. A song sparrow from southern Ontario and a song sparrow from a coastal region of the United States show some slight changes in colouring and size. This is what biologists call geographic variation. Biologists think that geographic variation results because the birds have adapted to different environments or habitats. For example, song sparrows from a colder climate are slightly larger, which helps them to keep warm.
Song sparrows are mostly ground feeders and therefore spend a great deal of time on the ground.
Song sparrows from different regions use colour variation to improve their ability to hide from enemies. Song sparrows that can blend into the grass and fields of their own environment are hidden from enemies such as hawks. Song sparrows from a region where the ground cover is a light brown have feathers that are similar in tone. Song sparrows from a region where the ground cover is a darker brown have a darker brown tone in the colouring of their feathers. The song sparrow is about 16 to 18 cm in length.