Sparrows, Buntings

White-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys

Family Emberizidae (Sparrows, Buntings)

Size: 7"

Season: Spring and fall migrant

Habitat: Brushy areas, woodland edges, gardens

The white-crowned sparrow has a rounded head, sometimes with a raised peak, and a fairly long, slightly notched tail. It is brownish above, streaked on the mantle, and shows pale wing bars. The underside is grayish on the breast, fading to pale brown on the belly and flanks. The head is gray below the eye and boldly patterned black and white above the eye, with a white medial crown stripe. The bill is bright yellow orange. White-crowned sparrows forage on the ground, often in loose flocks, scratching for insects, seeds, and berries. Their song is variable, but it usually starts with one longer whistle followed by several faster notes. The adult is illustrated.