White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas

	General Description: White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) are large, sexually monomorphic, sparrows. In adults, the breast is gray and unstreaked, the chin is white, the bill is pink, and the head has bold black and white stripes. In young birds, the head stripes are reddish brown, but some adults retain the "juvenile plumage." Favored Habitat: Brushy areas in the desert, urban parks, and yards.
	Where to Find: White-crowned Sparrows are winter visitors to the Las Vegas area. They mostly breed in the northern mountains and high arctic. During winter, they can be found at lower elevations in brushy areas. Look for them around Willow Springs in Red Rock Canyon NCA and in suburban backyards and parks. White-crowns come to seed feeders. During summer, look for White-crowns in the mountains (e.g., Mt Charleston).
	Comments: When I started birding in the 1970s, I was a rock climbing bum living out of my truck in Indian Cove Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. These birds often visited my campsite looking for seeds and bugs. Using my Golden Guide to the Birds of North America, this was the first species of bird I identified on my own. I was so proud of myself, and since then these sparrows have always held a fond spot in my heart.
	White-crowned Sparrow adult
	White-crowned Sparrow subadult; notice the brown colors rather than black.
	White-crowned Sparrow subadult; notice the brown colors rather than black.
	If you were a tasty bug or a little seed, this might be the last face you ever see!
	If you were a tasty bug or a little seed, this might be the last face you ever see!