Because of the heavily streaked breast, savannahs may suggest the more common song sparrow. Savannahs are smaller, with shorter, notched tails. There is usually a buff colored eyebrow stripe and a whitish crown stripe. The call is a thin chip. When flushed, savannah sparrows generally have a direct flight pattern.
Song sparrows have an undulating flight and usually pump thier tail or carry it cocked to one side.
Song sparows and field sparrows are common year-round residents. Lapland longspurs and water pipits are common winter visitors to the Hooper's Lane area of Mills River. Snow buntings were reported Nov. 4 and 5 of this year at Mt. Mitchell State Park.