gorrión corniblanco

Bird Name: White-crowned Sparrow
Scientific (Latin) Name: Zonotrichia leucophrys

Appearance: As the name suggests, the White-crowned Sparrow boasts a striking white crown bordered by bold black stripes, granting it a distinctive, easily recognizable appearance. The bird’s back is brown with dark streaks, and it also exhibits a grey face and neck as well as a small, conical shaped beak ideal for seed crushing. Adult males and females have the same coloration, which contributes to the lack of visible differences between the sexes. They have dark blackish-brown wings with two white wing bars and small pink feet.

Size: This medium-sized sparrow measures an average of 6-7 inches (15-18cm) in length, and sports a wingspan ranging from 7.9 to 9.8 inches (20 to 25 cm). Typical adult weight fluctuates between .6 and 1.1 ounces (17 to 31 grams).

Habitat & Distribution: White-crowned Sparrows inhabit North America, where they are often found from Alaska to Baja California and throughout the American West. They can thrive in both open and wooded habitats, presenting a particular fondness for shrublands. During winter migration, they can often be found in urban environments as well as along roadways, casually foraging amongst grasses and weeds.

Interesting Facts: Believe it or not, this sparrow is a surprisingly accomplished singer. Young White-Crowned Sparrows learn their melody from adults, practicing and growing their own unique tune until fully mature. This species also exhibits migratory behaviors, traveling long distances from the northern tips of Canada to the southern corners of the United States for warmer climates. Additionally, these birds have been prominently featured in folklore and popular songs throughout the years.

Diet: This species presents an omnivorous diet which changes throughout the seasons. In the summer, their menu consists largely of insects and spiders. In the colder months, it transitions to seeds, grasses, grains and fruits.

Behavior & Sounds: White-crowned Sparrows are rather sedentary while foraging on the ground and in low vegetation. They are known for their distinct, melodic song style which sounds like a series of whistles and trills, alongside shorter, simpler calls which can range from sharp chirps to soft mewls.

Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the White-crowned Sparrow is currently of “Least Concern,” as they are widespread and abundant throughout their range.

Lifespan: In the wild, these sparrows can typically live to up to seven years. However, the oldest recorded White-crowned Sparrow in the wild reached the impressive age of 13 years and 4 months.

Additional Notes: The White-Crowned Sparrow plays an essential role in controlling insect populations during warmer months – a vital benefit for ecosystems and human farming efforts alike. They are also source of food for predators such as hawks and owls. Despite their wide distribution and common presence, these sparrows often avoid humans, but it’s not unusual to find them exploring gardens during winter foraging. During the breeding season, males engage in a combat behavior which is performed on the ground and consists of wing-flapping and pecking. The bird’s French name is Bruant à couronne blanche, and Spanish speakers refer to it as Gorrión Coroniblanco.