General Description: Harris's Sparrows (Zonotrichia querula) are large, sexually monomorphic sparrows, a bit larger than a White-crowned Sparrow (one of our largest sparrows). In winter, the crown, face, and throat are black, the side of the face is buffy, and the breast is white with heavy black streaks and blotches. The bill is pink.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Emberizidae. Formerly Harris' Sparrow.

Favored Habitat: Brushy places and meadow edges.

Where to Find: Don't look for Harris's Sparrows around Las Vegas; rather, look for them in the Great Plains during winter or central Canada during summer. However, it is always worth keeping an eye out because species such as this show up from time to time. This bird was seen at Corn Creek during December 2010.