{"id":3691,"date":"2020-10-23T16:50:28","date_gmt":"2020-10-23T16:50:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/?p=3691"},"modified":"2020-10-23T22:31:03","modified_gmt":"2020-10-23T22:31:03","slug":"golden-crowned-sparrow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.viu.ca\/biol325\/2020\/10\/23\/golden-crowned-sparrow\/","title":{"rendered":"Golden-crowned sparrow"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The golden-crowned sparrow is a bird commonly seen across the pacific coast. It is one of five birds belonging to the genus Zonotrichia, which is a group of characteristically large American sparrows. This species is one of the least researched songbirds and there have been relatively few field studies conducted about them (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, n.d)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Adult Golden-crowned sparrow . Credit: Rick Leche<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Description and identification <\/h2>\n\n\n

The Golden-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia Atricapilla) is from the order Passeriformes. This bird gets its name from the distinctive yellow stripe on the top of its head.  In the summer, they have a grey underbelly and a streaked brown back with a black crown and the characteristic bright yellow forehead. During the winter, or while immature, Golden-crowned sparrows generally have a duller overall color with brown replacing the black on the head and a more muted yellow on the forehead (Wikimedia Foundation, 2020)<\/a>. Females and males are similarly plumaged however, males are slightly larger. They have square-tipped tails as well as pale brown legs and dark bills. Their lower mandible is a lighter shade than its upper. Additionally, another way to identify the golden-crowned sparrow is by its 2 white wing bars (Wikimedia Foundation, 2020<\/a>) . Golden-crowned sparrows are relatively large compared to other sparrows in North America. They are, on average, 15-18 cm long and have a wingspan of around 24.75cm. They can range from 30-33 grams (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, n.d)<\/a>. For perspective this is around the same weight as a packet of ketchup .<\/p>\n\n\n

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Plumage of a Golden-crowned sparrow. Credit: Glenn Bartley<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Song<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The song is very distinctive and includes a loud \u201cchink\u201d and a high pitched \u201ctseet\u201d in flight. The song is often perceived as sounding similar to the phrase \u201coh dear me\u201d. This is because there is a series of three whistles that are descending in pitch. However, series of five notes can also be heard (Golden-crowned sparrow, n.d)<\/a> .   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The song of the Golden-crowned sparrow retrieved from Xeno-canto<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Distribution <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This sparrow can be found along the west coast of North America. It is a migratory species and breeds mostly around Alaska. They spend their non-breeding season in British Colombia, the USA (including California and Nevada) as even as far south as the northwestern regions of Mexico(Cornell Lab of Ornithology, n.d)<\/a>. Golden-crowned sparrows have been recorded in Russia, Japan and the east coast of North America however, this is very uncommon. Little is known about its northern breeding grounds and activates. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Distribution of Golden-crowned sparrows during different seasons. Obtained from All about birds.<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Habitat <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The preferred habitat of the Golden-crowned sparrow is dense shrubbery. They can be found in weedy fields and shrublands of the west coast between fall and spring. For nesting, they prefer dense brush or stunted trees(Cornell Lab of Ornithology, n.d)<\/a> . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Behavior <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Migration <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Golden crowned sparrows tend to flock together in the winter months and are known to travel together with other birds, such as the white-crowned sparrows. Flock territories are generally 15- 20 acres and birds tend to stay in the same flock during the duration of each winter. Individual birds also tend to return to the same area each year (Price, 1931)<\/a>. Within flocks, Golden-crowned sparrows use their black and gold crowns as a measure of dominance. Using the brightness and size of head stripes to determine social status helps reduce fighting and saves energy (Wikimedia Foundation, 2020)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Reproduction <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This species typically produces a single brood and the breeding season begins from late May to August. The nest is built by the female in a cup shape out of branches and leaves. Feathers and other soft materials are used to line the inside (Golden-crowned sparrow, n.d)<\/a> . The nest is usually built on the ground however, it is occasionally made on low branches. While the eggs are being laid the male stays in the area for protection and also provides the female with food during the incubation period. The eggs that are laid (usually 4-5) are pale green with reddish-brown spots. The incubation period is between 11-14 days and once the eggs hatch both parents help in feeding the young (Wikimedia Foundation, 2020)<\/a> . <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Golden-crowned sparrows form flocks during the winter. Credit: Bruce Lyon<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Golden-crowned sparrow nest. Retrieved from Ornithologi<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Feeding <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like many other birds from the order Passeriformes, Golden-crowned sparrows eat berries and flowers. They feed primarily on the ground by pecking and scratching around low vegetation. In the winter, their diet consists of seeds, berries, flowers and buds(Wikimedia Foundation, 2020)<\/a> . They have also been known to eat crawling insects off of plants.  This bird generally has two weight peaks per year. One is in the middle of winter and the second, and greater one, is shortly before migration in spring (Linsdale & Sumner, 1934)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Golden-crowed sparrow eating the nectar from a plum tree flower. Photographed by Verne Nelson<\/a>.
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Conservation status <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Golden-crowned sparrow is relatively common. The exact population is unknown however an increase over the last decade has been reported. The international Union of the Conservation of Nature lists the Golden-crowned sparrow as a species of least concern (Wikimedia Foundation, 2020)<\/a> .  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Drawing of an adult Golden-Crowned sparrow. Credit: Tyler Pasula <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Threats <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Golden-crowned sparrow is prone to feather mites and chewing lice which can put their health at risk\u00a0(Poulin, 1991)<\/a>. Hippoboscid flies are another potential threat for the Golden crowned-sparrows. They can be vectors for diseases which may be detrimental to the bird\u2019s health\u00a0(Elliott, 1984)<\/a>. Furthermore, there are many predators that prey on the Golden-crowned sparrow throughout its life cycle. Some examples include the Coopers hawk, Sharp-shinned hawk, Northern harrier, Merlin\u2019s, Pygmy owls, Barn owls and feral cats (Wikimedia Foundation, 2020)<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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An image of a Hippobosicd fly which can be found on Golden-crowned sparrows captured by Crataerina Pallid<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fun Facts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n