White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
What it is
The white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is a medium-sized sparrow native to North America.
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- Found throughout most of the US, especially during migration and in winter. They like open areas with bushes, hedges, and forest edges, and often visit suburban feeders.
- How to find it
- Look for a medium-sized sparrow with a distinct black and white striped crown on its head. They often feed on the ground by scratching with both feet at once. Listen for their clear, whistling song.
- Best time of day
- Fall and spring during migration, and winter in many parts of the US. Early morning and late afternoon are good feeding times.
How it lives
- What it eats
- Seeds, buds, fruits, and insects, especially caterpillars.
- What eats it
- Hawks, owls, cats, snakes, small mammals.
Worth knowing
- They have a very melodic, whistling song that is easy to recognize.
- Different populations of White-crowned Sparrows have slightly different songs, like regional accents!
- They are one of the most studied bird species for their migration patterns and song learning.
- They can travel thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
- Young White-crowned Sparrows have brown and tan striped crowns.
- They communicate with each other using special calls and body language.
Why it matters
White-crowned Sparrows help spread seeds and control insect populations. They are a common food source for many predators.