The White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophys) is a common winter site-specific resident at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center. Most "birders" (bird watchers) consider them to be common-place in brushy, weedy habitats, but ironically this species is NOT commonly found above the 800 foot elevation level on the Center, yet they are routinely found at the edge of the Sanel Valley which is on the SW edge of the Center at the 500-foot elevation.
This large, plain-breasted sparrow portrays a bright white and black striped crown once it becomes an adult, but immature birds instead have a rufous-brown and gray striped crown. There are several subspecies, which is exciting and challenging (and confusing) for the interested birder. This photographed subspecies is NOT the Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow (Z.l.gambelii) which nests in Alaska and Canada and arrives in huge numbers to winter in California lowlands (away from the coast) and is the expected bird at this location. Gambel's is identified by its orange to orange-pink bill, a heavily streaked back, back feathers with rich dark reddish centers and pale gray edges, pale lore, and a gray-toned breast.
The Nuttall's White-crowned Sparrow (Z.l. nuttalli) is a resident breeder and wintering bird along the immediate coastal bench of Mendocino County... and I won't go into its details. THIS bird, with its yellow bill, pale lores, and very light gray breast appears to be a Puget Sound White-crowned Sparrow, which nests along the coast from Humboldt County north to B.C. The exact locations of interior wintering areas of this subspecies is still in question, but it is known that they typically winter along the coast.
