General

Golden-crowned Sparrow: Large sparrow with brown-streaked upperparts and plain gray breast. Yellow crown is bordered by a wide black cap; cheek and collar are black. Bill is gray. Wings are brown with two white bars. Sexes are similar. Winter adult is duller and shows a reduced black cap and fine black eye stripe. Juvenile has heavily streaked white underparts and a dull yellow crown faintly bordered with brown.

Range and Habitat

Golden-crowned Sparrow: Breeds from western Alaska south to northwestern Washington. Spends winters from Kodiak Island and coastal Alaska south to Baja California. Preferred habitats include alpine meadows and coniferous forest clearings; winters in coastal brushlands and chaparral.

Breeding and Nesting

Golden-crowned Sparrow: Three to five creamy white to pale blue eggs with brown blotches are laid in a neat nest cup well hidden in a dense weed clump or bush. Incubation ranges from 11 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Golden-crowned Sparrow: Diet consists of seeds, insects, flowers, buds, small seedlings, fruits, and berries; forages on the ground and in low foliage.

Readily Eats

Sunflower Seed, Commercial Mixed Bird Seed

Vocalization

Golden-crowned Sparrow: Song consists of three descending, plaintive notes "oh, dear me." Calls are "tseet" and "chink."

Similar Species

Golden-crowned Sparrow: Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow has a pink to orange bill, brown striped head, and a buff back with rufous streaks. House Sparrow has a heavier bill, shorter tail, and is paler brown overall.