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 central and western Alaska south to northwestern Washington. Spends winters from Kodiak Island and coastal Alaska south along the west coast to northern 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

Suet, Millet, Sunflower

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.