Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)
Golden-crowned Sparrow, immature - Mojave Desert, CA © Tom Benson
Golden-crowned Sparrow, immature - Desert Center, CA © Tom Benson
The Golden-crowned Sparrow is an uncommon winter visitor to campus from October through April, primarily within the CSUSB Preserve, though it does occur on the campus proper occasionally. It is an uncommon wintering bird in southern California and is usually encountered with flocks of White-crowned Sparrows.High Count: 4, Average Count: 1Adult Golden-crowned Sparrows can be identified by their yellow crown bordered by broad black stripes, gray underparts, and brown streaky upperparts. Immature (first winter) Golden-crowned Sparrows are similar to adults, but their crowns are finely streaked with dark brown and yellow.