California · Winter visitor

Golden-crowned Sparrows in California

When golden-crowned sparrows are present in California, when they nest, which native California plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–11a yard.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Golden-crowned SparrowZonotrichia atricapilla

Status in California: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: USDA 5a–11a

When to expect golden-crowned sparrows in California

In California, golden-crowned sparrows are winter visitors rather than breeders. Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in. While here they rely on seeds and buds.

Mediterranean along the coast and Central Valley, alpine in the Sierra Nevada, and desert in the southeast.

Native California plants that attract golden-crowned sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for California, these 8 provide food or cover golden-crowned sparrows use:

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

Common sunflower

Helianthus annuus · Perennial

Annual native sunflower — the original feeder seed.

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Rabbitbrush

Ericameria nauseosa · Shrub

Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.

Palo verde

Parkinsonia florida · Tree

Seed pods and insect-rich spring bloom.

Prickly pear

Opuntia engelmannii · Shrub

Fruit and seed plus nest sites for Cactus Wrens.

Feeding golden-crowned sparrows through the California year

A West Coast winter visitor from October to April.

Best foods: Millet, Sunflower chips.
In California's winter: Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in.

Full diet breakdown for golden-crowned sparrows · Best feeder for golden-crowned sparrows

Frequently asked

Are golden-crowned sparrows in California year-round?

No. Golden-crowned Sparrows are winter visitors in California and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract golden-crowned sparrows in California?

Wild bergamot, Black-eyed Susan, Common sunflower, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Rabbitbrush, Palo verde, Prickly pear are native plants in California that provide food or cover for golden-crowned sparrows.

Golden-crowned Sparrows in other regions

Alaska British Columbia Oregon Washington Yukon

Other backyard birds in California

Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren House Finch Purple Finch Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Red-winged Blackbird Pine Siskin Northern Mockingbird Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Yellow-rumped Warbler House Sparrow European Starling Steller's Jay California Scrub-Jay Mountain Chickadee Chestnut-backed Chickadee Bushtit Oak Titmouse Juniper Titmouse Pygmy Nuthatch Anna's Hummingbird Black-chinned Hummingbird Costa's Hummingbird Lesser Goldfinch Cassin's Finch California Towhee Spotted Towhee Gambel's Quail California Quail Western Bluebird Mountain Bluebird Say's Phoebe Black Phoebe Acorn Woodpecker Gila Woodpecker Ladder-backed Woodpecker Nuttall's Woodpecker Cactus Wren Verdin Bewick's Wren White-crowned Sparrow Fox Sparrow Varied Thrush Violet-green Swallow Black-headed Grosbeak Lazuli Bunting Bullock's Oriole Eurasian Collared-Dove White-winged Dove

Sources

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.