Probable erythristic White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), Montezuma's Well Nat. Mon., Yavapai County

This probable erythristic White-crowned Sparrow was found by Vic Nelson on 27 October 2014 and photographed by Vic on 28 October

This sparrow has a condition called erythrism or hyperphaeomelanism, which is an abundance of reddish-brown pigment in the feathers. While rare, this condition is not unprecedented in Zonotrichia sparrows.

The overall shape of this bird, as well as size being about equal to nearby White-crowned Sparrows, point to this being a Zonotrichia sparrow. While it could possibly be a Golden-crowned or White-throated Sparrow, extensive yellowish coloration on the bill is highly suggestive that this is a White-crowned Sparrow.

28 October 2014, photo by Vic Nelson

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