New World sparrows (Passerellidae)
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia atricapilla. Seeds, buds and flowers.
New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Golden-crowned SparrowZonotrichia atricapilla
- Scientific name
- Zonotrichia atricapilla
- Length
- 5.9–7.1 in
- Weight
- 1–1.2 oz
- Nest
- Cup on the ground in shrubby tundra
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 3–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 11–12 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Golden-yellow forecrown
- Broad black crown stripes
- Plain grey-brown breast
Voice
Mournful 'oh-dear-me'.
Diet and feeding
Seeds, buds and flowers.
What do golden-crowned sparrows eat? · Best feeder for golden-crowned sparrows
Golden-crowned Sparrows by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Summer breeder | July |
| British Columbia | Summer breeder | July |
| California | Winter visitor | — |
| Oregon | Winter visitor | — |
| Washington | Winter visitor | — |
| Yukon | Summer breeder | July |
Frequently asked
What do golden-crowned sparrows eat?
Seeds, buds and flowers. At feeders: millet, sunflower chips.
How big is a Golden-crowned Sparrow?
5.9–7.1 in long and 1–1.2 oz.
Do golden-crowned sparrows use birdhouses?
No. Cup on the ground in shrubby tundra.
Sources
- Golden-crowned Sparrow — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Golden-crowned Sparrow life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Golden-crowned Sparrow — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.