The Four Keys to ID
- Size & Shape
Rufous-crowned Sparrows are relatively large sparrows with rounded heads and fairly long tails. The thick, pointed bill is fairly large.
Relative Size
Larger and bulkier than a Chipping Sparrow; smaller than a White-crowned Sparrow.
sparrow-sized or smallerMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 5.9-6.3 in (15-16 cm)
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (16-21 g)
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay Library
- Color Pattern
- Behavior
- Habitat
Regional Differences
Rufous-crowned Sparrows along the Pacific coast tend to be smaller and more reddish above than individuals in the Desert Southwest, which are browner above. Individuals from offshore islands such as California’s Channel Islands tend to be darker overall than mainland birds.
