Mystery Bird: Brewer's Sparrow, Spizella breweri

I'm guessing Cassin's Sparrow for this guy. I'm basing that on the "finely streaked crown", "fine spots and streaks" on the breast (sort of), "indistinct supercilium", and "pale eye ring" (maybe?). This is all per Sibley.

Doh! In retrospect, I should have paid more attention to the lack of distinct striping alongside the throat. Live and learn...

I'm leaning toward Brewer's sparrow due to the relatively drab gray breast and faint face pattern.

But a pale, young winter chipping sparrow is not out of the question entirely. The front of the face is somewhat in shadow, maybe making the lores look darkish.

I'm going to go with Brewer's Sparrow due to the pale face pattern and notched tail.