White-Crowned Sparrow

The White-Crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) is a species of passerine bird native to North America. A medium-sized member of the new world sparrow family, this species is marked by a grey face and black and white streaking on the upper head. In the taiga and tundra in the far northern regions of the continent, as well as in the Rocky Mountains and along the Pacific coast, it breeds in brushy habitats. The breeding populations in the northern half of its range are migratory and can be found as wintering or passage visitors over most of North America south to central Mexico, in contrast to the southerly populations, which are primarily resident in the Rocky Mountains and along the coast.

Adults have a long tail, a gray face, brown streaked upper parts, and black and white stripes on their heads. The underparts are gray, while the wings are brown with bars. They have a pink or yellow bill. They resemble the white-throated sparrow in terms of appearance but lack its white throat markings and golden lores.