Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Blog Post Species #64/100
Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Golden-crowned Sparrow – Zonotrichia atricapilla
Name Roots: (Gr. zone, “a band”; trichias, “a thrush” – L. atricapilla, “black capped”)
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a fairly large American sparrow, measuring from 15 to 18 cm in length and having a wingspan of 24.75 cm. It has a relatively long, square-tipped tail and a slightly peaked crown. The bird’s plumage is mostly gray-brown, with a bright golden-yellow crown bordered by black stripes. The bird’s underbelly is whitish-tan, and its flight feathers are tan with black streaks.
AN INTERESTING OR UNUSUAL FACT
The Golden-crowned Sparrow is one of five members worldwide of the genus Zonotrichia, four of which have been recorded in California’s Central Valley.
OTHER SIMILAR SPECIES
Other Central Valley congeners include the common White-crowned Sparrow, the rarer White-throated Sparrow and the much, much rarer Harris’s Sparrow.
DISTRIBUTION STATUS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY
The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a Common Winter Visitor in California’s Central Valley and can be found in backyards, parks and any habitat with shrubs and trees.
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