White-crowned Sparrow |
Zonotrichia leucophrys |
Description: 7", black and white striped crown, whitish throat, pearly gray underparts, upperparts streaked, erect posture, young birds similar more washed | Habitat: Brushy areas, tangles, open woodlands, willow thickets near streams, shrubby areas in mountains, residential areas, roadsides, parks |
Nesting: Nests in dense brush especially where near open grasslands, nest built of grass, twigs, rootlets, shredded bark, lined with fine materials. | Range: Breeds from Alaska, Manitoba to Mexico, winters primarily in western U.S. but in all 50 states |
Voice: A short series of clear whistles followed by buzzy notes | Diet: spiders, bugs, insects, fruit, fresh leaves |
Notes: handsome favorite of birders, pair for life, as many as 4 broods, male sings at night, female builds nest |
When present in Oklahoma: late fall, winter |