Bird Guide

Fox Sparrow vs Golden-crowned Sparrow

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

Small33 gForest

Adults are among the largest New World sparrows, heavily spotted and streaked underneath. All feature a messy central breast spot though this is less noticeable on the thick billed and slate-colored varieties. Plumage varies markedly from one group to another. Measurements: Length: 15–19 cm (5.9–7.5 in) Wingspan: 26.7–29 cm (10.5–11.4 in) Weight: 26–44 g (0.92–1.55 oz)

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Fox Sparrow
Recorded by Doug Hynes · Song · Little Mecatina River, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Fluit · CC BY 4.0
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

Small32 gShrubland

Measuring 15–18 cm (6–7 in) in length with a wingspan of 24.75 cm (9.74 in) and ranging from 19.0 to 35.4 g (0.67 to 1.25 oz) in mass, the adult golden-crowned sparrow is fairly large for an American sparrow. Like all Zonotrichia sparrows, it has a relatively long, square-tipped tail and a slightly peaked crown. Males and females are similarly plumaged, though males average slightly larger than females. Other than a plain gray nape, the adult's upperparts are grayish-brown, with broad brownish-black streaks on the back and scapulars, and an unstreaked rump. Voice: The song is a three-note whistle, descending in pitch. It is very distinctive, and often described as oh-dear-me. The call also sounds like the words I'm so weary, so Alaskan gold miners along the trails called this bird "Weary Willie". However, birds in the mountains of British Columbia have been reported to have a trill on the third note, rather than a clear whistle as in other populations.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Alejandro Erickson · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Fox Sparrow and Golden-crowned Sparrow.