Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla), Pena Blanca Lake, Santa Cruz County

This Golden-crowned Sparrow was discovered and photographed by Richard Fray on 29 October 2011.

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.

29 October 2011, photos by Richard Fray

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