ExploreBirds

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a small bird with a bright yellow crown on its head. It loves to sing cheerful songs and can often be seen hopping around in bushes and grass.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Golden-crowned Sparrow has a striking bright yellow patch on its crown, bordered by distinct black stripes, giving it a regal look. Its face is a plain gray, contrasting with its streaky brown back and clean, unstreaked gray belly. This bold head pattern makes it easily identifiable among other sparrows.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPasserellidaeGenusZonotrichia
Golden-crowned Sparrow
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Golden-crowned Sparrow

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

2

Interesting facts

Golden-crowned Sparrows fly thousands of miles from Alaska to California for winter vacation!

Sometimes, they'll forage upside-down on branches, showing off their acrobatic skills.

Their unique song sounds like 'Oh dear me,' making them quite easy to identify by sound alone.

They use both feet at once to scratch the ground for food, a move called 'double-scratching'!

Special abilities

Ability

Cold Weather Forager

Golden-crowned Sparrows can find hidden seeds and insects in cold weather, helping them survive chilly winters.

Ability

Long-Distance Navigator

Golden-crowned Sparrows can migrate thousands of kilometers each year, finding their way to breeding and wintering grounds.

Ability

Melancholy Melody

Golden-crowned Sparrows has a distinct three-note song that helps them communicate and define territory.

Measurements & details

Length
15-18 cm
Wingspan
23-28 cm
Weight
0.022-0.029 kg
Lifespan
2-7 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
3-5
Incubation
11-13 days
Migration Distance
4500 km

Diet & Feeding

This sparrow enjoys a mixed diet of tasty seeds, berries, and insects all year round!

Age differences: Eats more protein-rich insects during breeding season and shifts to seeds in winter.

Primary Foods

  • Seeds (grasses, weeds)
  • Berries (elderberry, salmonberry)
  • Insects (beetles, caterpillars)
  • Spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Golden-crowned Sparrow?

The easiest way to identify Golden-crowned Sparrow is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Golden-crowned Sparrow?

15-18 cm

What is Golden-crowned Sparrow's wingspan?

23-28 cm

How much does Golden-crowned Sparrow weigh?

0.022-0.029 kg

How long does Golden-crowned Sparrow live?

2-7 years

How fast can Golden-crowned Sparrow move?

45 km/h

What does Golden-crowned Sparrow eat?

This sparrow enjoys a mixed diet of tasty seeds, berries, and insects all year round!

Where is Golden-crowned Sparrow usually found?

Urban areas

Snap Map

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