Sparrow (White-crowned, White-throated)

There are many species of Sparrow, but these two are very special visitors.

1. White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) _ Length 7″, wingspan 9.5″ (1st photo)
2. White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) _ Length 6.75″, wingspan 9″ (2nd and 3rd photos)

What they eat: Seeds, insects (White-crowned also eat berries)

Habitat: (White-crowned) meadows, open habitats; (White-throated) woodlands, forests, meadows

Plants that attract: Grasses, shrubs

Where they nest: White-crowned: shrubs; White-throated: on the ground

My observations: I think the mature White-crowned Sparrow always looks like it’s wearing a little hat! Their heads (see top photo) are crowned by rows black-and-white, which makes them quite distinctive. We were tickled to learn recently that we also have White-throated species in our garden.

They have rows of gold-and-brown feathers on the top of their heads. The immature White-crowned species has brown stripes on the top of its head. That means they could possibly be mistaken for the White-throated sparrow. However, the white throat patch and gold color near the eyes is a good way to identify the latter. In the third photo, you can more easily see these markings.

For more details about these birds (including other species), go to Cornell’s All About Birds website.

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