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White-Crowned Sparrow
Scientific Name:
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Type:
Bird
Habitat:
Chaparral along the tundra, shrubs on the forest's edge, meadows, agricultural fields and backyard bird feeders
Range:
Throughout much of the Western United States, from Alaska and Canada to parts of Mexico
Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
This species is
NATIVE
to the Truckee Meadows.
Identification:
White-crowned Sparrows are small birds easily identified by their vibrant white and black stripes on the top of their heads. While they are small birds, they have long tail feathers and are big for sparrows, weighing in at an ounce, with a wingspan of over 9 inches, and a body length of just over 6 inches. There are some minor regional differences among White-crowned sparrows, but generally they have a gray chest and neck with brown wings demarcated with white, tan, and black. The small conical bill of White-crowned sparrows is designed for eating seeds and may vary in color from pink to orange to yellow.
Fast Facts:
Just like us, White-crowned sparrows have a dialect in their song, distinct to the region in which they were hatched, and they learn and practice their song from the community or flocks they are raised in.
How far will you travel for vacation? White-crowned Sparrows have been tracked as flying 300 miles in one night and migrating 2,600 miles from Alaska to southern California for the winter.
Sources:
Contributor(s):
Regina Hockett (research & content)
Kevin Lynch (edits & page design)
Last Updated:
August 26, 2024 at 10:32:24 PM
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