whitecrowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• 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 dullerwith streak-           ed 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.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: Successional-scrub
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 2-5
Length of Incubation: 12(11-14) days
Days to Fledge: 7-12
Number of Broods: 2-3, occasionally 4, 1 in far north
Diet: Primarily seeds; lesser quantities of insects

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May R
      Su - Summer: June, July, August
      Fall: September, October, November U

      Winter: December, January, February R

 

 

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