White-Crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

Another of our winter birds at Debs Park is the White-Crowned Sparrow. Every year, the Debs Park team anxiously awaits the arrival of these species and the Yellow-Rumped Warbler during late September, and by November, both species are everywhere around the park. The White-Crowned Sparrow however is extremely noticeable due to this song that some people even say it sings “I am a white crowned sparrow.” Adult white-crowned sparrows have a distinct white crown with black stripes resulting in their name. Juvenile white-crowns however have a brown crown with beige stripes. Like most sparrows, these birds are seed-eaters and forage on the ground, however you can find them once in a while catching a bug midair. These species, also have five different subspecies, so it is also possible to catch more than one subspecies at the park. Come borrow a pair of our binoculars and see if you can spot them in the park.