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Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A large sparrow common in winter along the Pacific Coast, the Golden-crowned Sparrow is not as well known on its breeding grounds in northwestern Canada and Alaska.

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Appearance

Sparrows
Sparrows
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large sparrow, small songbird.
  • Yellow crown, bordered by black.
  • Gray face and chest.
  • White wingbars.
  • Back brown with black stripes.
  • Long tail.

Immature Description

Juvenile duller than adult, with head pattern obscured, the crown finely streaked, and chest streaked. Immature like adult, but mostly lacking crown stripes.

Range Map Help

Golden-crowned Sparrow Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult breeding

    Golden-crowned Sparrow

    Adult breeding
    • © Jeffrey Rich, Nome, Alaska
  • First winter

    Golden-crowned Sparrow

    First winter
    • © Kevin T. Karlson