Green Nature

Golden-crowned Sparrow

golden-crowned sparrow


The Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) is primarily a West Coast sparrow species.

It is difficult to mistake it for other sparrows because of the bright yellow patch of feathers on the crown of the adult. Unlike many sparrows, the Golden-crowned has very little streaking on the breast.

They breed as far north as Alaska and winter in parks and residential settings throughout California and Oregon.

© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels