| Some of the most memorable natural events occur during the cold months. The handsome White-crowned Sparrow fits into this category. Knowing that this bird is an infrequent visitor and that it may have traveled from as far north as the arctic, makes it one of our most welcome of winter guests.
Essentially a ground feeder, the white-crowned normally eats insects, seeds and fruiting capsules of moss. During the winter it is drawn to multi-flora rose hedges where it as on the hips. It will also visit feeding areas where scratch corn and seeds have been scattered.
Many observers confuse this species with the White-throated Sparrow. There are, however, clear physical distinctions between the two: the white-crowned's head markings are brighter and more striking and the crown feathers show a puffier look. Its beak is pinkish while the white-throated's is dark, and viewed from a distance the white-crowned appears more streamlined and seems to stand more erect.
The White-crowned Sparrow arrives in our area in early November. By May it is making its way north to its breeding grounds, perhaps to build its nest on the tundra amongst some stunted but lovely Rhododendron blossoms.
Length 7 inches
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