Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), Seven Springs Recreation Area, Maricopa County

This Golden-crowned Sparrow was discovered and photographed by Tommy DeBardeleben on 19 March 2010 at the Seven Springs Recreation Area while hiking on the Cave Creek Trail #4. The sparrow was about 1/4 of a mile away from the trailhead. It was solitary rather than with White-crowned Sparrows.

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 crown and gray bill separated this species from other similar sparrows.

19 March 2010, photo by Tommy DeBardeleben_

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