The White-crowned Sparrow is a large, handsome sparrow with a bold black-and-white striped crown and a pinkish or yellow bill. Different subspecies have distinct dialects, and chicks must hear their local song during a critical learning window — making this species a landmark model in the neuroscience of vocal learning. It is common at feeders and in brushy open country across North America in winter.
Habitat
Brushy open areas, weedy fields, and coastal scrub
Diet
Seeds, buds, berries, and insects
How common
Common
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