Lark Sparrow versus Lark Bunting

While on our vacation during the holidays, I was able to see several Lark Buntings, as well as several Lark Sparrows. The Lark Sparrows are pretty common, but this was the first time to get to see the Lark Buntings this year. Since I was able to get a couple of pretty good images, here are a couple for comparison.

The Lark Sparrow has a very bold head pattern, and no striping on the breast.

The Lark Bunting has a less distinctive facial pattern, beautiful streaks on the breast, and bold white edges on the wing coverts. The bunting also has a dramatic change in plumage for the breeding season, going completely black with the exception of the white edges on the wings.

Here is another picture of the Lark Bunting!