White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys · New World Sparrows
The White-crowned Sparrow is a widespread North American songbird known for its distinctive black and white head stripes and melodious song. These sparrows are often found foraging on the ground in brushy habitats. They are a popular subject for scientific study, particularly concerning bird song development and migratory physiology.
Explore the full field guidemigratorymedium-sizedclear whistlesomnivorous
4 calls·first heard Sep 21·last 3d ago
When it's heardpeak 7a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Adults have prominent black and white stripes on the crown and a plain gray face. Immature birds have tan and muted brown head stripes.
- Bill color varies by subspecies, ranging from pale pink to orange or yellow.
- The breast and belly are a plain pearly-gray, lacking streaks.
- Two subtle white wing bars are present on otherwise brown, streaked wings.