How to identify the White-crowned Sparrow

To correctly identify the White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

14-18 cm (5.5-7.1 inches)

Wingspan

21-27 cm (8.3-10.6 inches)

Weight

25-30 g (0.9-1.1 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a prominent black and white striped crown, a gray face, and a plain dingy grayish-white breast and belly. Their back is streaked brown, and their wings are brownish with two white wing bars. The bill is pinkish-orange or yellow. Juveniles have brown and buff stripes on their crown, a streaky breast, and a duller bill. There are subtle plumage variations among subspecies.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Conical, adapted for seed crushing.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dull brownish-pink.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The bold black and white striped crown is the most distinctive feature. The relatively long tail that is slightly notched is also characteristic.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles (first summer and fall) have duller, brown and tan head stripes instead of black and white. Their underparts are buffier and often streaked, and their bills are typically dull orange to brownish, not bright pinkish-orange. They gradually acquire adult plumage by their first spring.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes for adults. Juveniles undergo a gradual molt to adult-like plumage.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are visually identical in plumage.

Key field marks

• Head Pattern. Look for the sharp, alternating black and white stripes on the crown of adults. Juveniles have tan and brown stripes.
• Bill Color. Adults have a pinkish-orange or yellow bill, which is a good field mark. Juveniles have duller, brownish-orange bills.
• Plumage. Overall grayish underparts without streaking (in adults) and streaky brown back and wings with two white wing bars.
• Foraging Behavior. Often seen foraging on the ground, scratching with a two-footed hop.
• Song. Learn its clear, whistling song, which often includes a buzzy trill at the end. This is one of the easiest ways to identify them in spring and summer.

Explore the White-crowned Sparrow