Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), Behrstock/LeMay Residence, Lower Ash Canyon, Cochise County

This Golden-crowned Sparrow was found 19 Dec 2009 by Linda Feltner and photographed by Robert Behrstock on 23 December 2009.

Golden-crowned Sparrow is a rare transient and winter visitor which however occurs annually. It is most often found in large flocks of White-crowned Sparrows.

Broadly similar to the White-crowns it was with. Crown appears sooty without the well defined pale brown lateral stripes of a White-crowned Sparrow. Bill darker, not pink as in a White-crown. Golden suffusion on forecrown.

23 December 2009, photo by Robert Behrstock