Golden-Crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)

The Golden-Crowned Sparrow is a passerine bird (Family: Emberizidae, Order: Passeriformes) that can be found near human residence. They are often found feeding on the ground in groups. The golden patch on its crown and brown body characterizes the sparrow.

The brown wings of the sparrow have white linings. The back of the sparrow is marked with black spots. The dark bill of the sparrow is thick and short, the finch style. The sparrow has broken white eye rings and light brown legs and feet.

Lakeport, CA
2008-02-01, 2008-02-15

The Zonotrichia is one of American sparrows. American sparrows are more closely related to Emberizidae (old world buntings) than Passeridae (old world sparrows).