White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys

Identification Tips:

• Length: 5.75 inches
• Pink, conical bill (yellow in some populations)
• Black and white head stripes
• Gray face and underparts
• Tan back with dark streaks
• Brown wings with wing bars
• Long tail
• Sexes similar
• Immature plumage (Fall and Winter) similar to adult but has brown and gray head stripes
• Juvenile plumage (Summer) similar to immature but duller with streaked breast

Similar species:

Adults are only likely to be confused with the White-throated Sparrow. White-throated Sparrow has white throat contrasting with the gray breast, yellow lores and a dark bill. Immature Golden-crowned Sparrow lacks head stripes and is darker.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.