Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

A rare spring migrant/vagrant that has been found much more regularly in the fall when it becomes one of the most common, and reliable, passerine migrants. Spring sightings are centered from May 25th to June 5th, with a few earlier spring records and an occasional bird as late as mid-June. The first fall migrants typically arrive in late August and are seen regularly through September with a peak from the final days of August through September 20th with many records involving large numbers present over an extended period of time. By October, records of this species are less common and it is only seen sporadically into the middle of the month. The couple winter records were likely locally wintering individuals as opposed to migrants and indicate this species may remain into winter on occasion, when weather conditions allow.

Photo by Sulli Gibson
Photo by Ryan P. O’Donnell
Photo by Cory Gregory
Photo by Scott Schuette