Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), Rillito River at Stone Ave, Pima County

This Golden-crowned Sparrow was discovered by Scott Olmstead on 13 December 2009 and photographed by Mark Sharon on 21 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. 

Yellow on the crown is diagnostic in all plumages, although sometimes not present on immatures.  In these cases the grayish bill separates it from White-crowned Sparros. 

21 December 2009, photo by Mark Sharon

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