Golden-crowned Sparrow -- South Dakota Birds

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a bird of the extreme western portion of North America, breeding in western Canada and Alaska and wintering near the U.S. West Coast.  The "Birds of South Dakota" (SDOU -- 2002) only lists two identified occurrences of the species in South Dakota, as the we are quite far from its normal range.

Habitat: Breeds in shrubby habitats ranging from willow thickets, stunted spruce along the treeline, and high-elevation shrublands in the mountains of western Canada and Alaska.  Also prefers brushy habitat in winter and in migration.

Diet: Primarily seeds and insects, but will also feed on berries and fruits, new buds and shoots, and flowers.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: A plain descending whistle..."Oh-dear-me". 

Migrations: Summers in Alaska and near the Pacific Coast in Canada.  Winters along most of the U.S. Pacific Coast.

Feeders: Will attend feeders for many seeds.

Similar Species: White-crowned Sparrow, House Sparrow

Status: Generally stable and common.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Golden-crowned Sparrow

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Golden-crowned Sparrow"

3) eNature.com: Golden-crowned Sparrow

Photo Information: April 19th, 2007 - Point Reyes National Seashore, California - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips below for additional higher-resolution photos of this species.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08