ID needed

Can someone please help with an ID for this bird. I'm pretty sure it is a sparrow but I don't know which one. There are several in my field guide that look very similar to this one. It stayed mostly in heavy cover in reeds along the shore of a small lake. Taken in Dallas, Texas in October.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Robert Bunch

This is a very worn individual and I am not very experienced with sparrows in the center of the country... I would say (somewhat hesitantly) Clay-colored Sparrow (having only seen one once) but I could very well be wrong...

I'm interested to hear what others have to say.

Thanks Drew. I looked at my guide again and I think you may be right. The spots on the breast make me think it may be a juvenile Clay-colored sparrow. I hope others will chime in with their opinions.

my vote is confidently for clay-colored; they are "not uncommon" here in East River, SD.

Dave Graham
Estelline, SD

Thanks everyone for your help with this ID.

Robert