Golden-crowned Sparrow Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Large sparrow with long tail and fairly small, grayish bill. Distinctive gray face with black cap and yellow crown patch.
© David M. Bell / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, July 12, 2019Nonbreeding adult
Large, plump sparrow with long tail and grayish bill. In nonbreeding plumage, breast is mottled gray-brown, and yellow crown stripe is smaller and duller.
© Jamie Chavez / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, October 26, 2013Breeding adult
Song consists of several clear whistles that slide downward in a melancholy-sounding phrase that’s sometimes described as “I’m so tired” or “oh, dear me.” Sometimes adds a trill to the end.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 18, 2013Not all videos have soundImmature
Large, plump sparrow with long tail. Immatures have broad rusty stripes on the cap with a yellowish stripe in the middle of the crown.
© John C. Mittermeier / Macaulay LibraryNew Mexico, October 25, 2020Breeding adult
Large, plump sparrow with grayish bill. Back is brown streaked with blackish. Bold black stripes on the side of the crown, with yellow stripe confined to the top of the head.
© Cameron Eckert / Macaulay LibraryYukon Territory, June 11, 2013Habitat
Breeds among dense shrubs at edge of tundra and forest, or at treeline. Winters in shrubby thickets, chaparral, parks, gardens, and other open areas.
© Laura Keene / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 08, 2016Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
New World Sparrows(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Passerellidae)
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