Month: October 2023

Golden-crowned Kinglet in Fall Migration Plumage.

Tiny, hyperactive songbird usually found in conifer trees. Look for black stripes on the head and bold wing pattern. The namesake golden crown is usually just a small stripe, but can be flared into an expressive fiery-orange crest when agitated. One of the smallest passerines.

Medium-sized sparrow with considerable geographic color variation, although all exhibit a pink bill, dark eyes, white belly, and dark-centered tail with white outer feathers. Gray-headed form has gray head, rump, breast, and sides, and rust-brown back. Slate-colored form is slate-gray overall with darker head. Oregon form has black hood, chestnut-brown back and buff-brown flanks. White-winged form is blue-gray overall and shows two white wing bars. Pink-sided form is blue-gray with darker wings and pink-gray flanks. Female of each form resembles male but is usually paler. Juveniles of all forms are heavily streaked brown with darker heads, white bellies, and white outer tail feathers. Short flights with white outer tail feathers flashing conspicuously; alternates several rapid wing beats with wings drawn to sides. Forages primarily on the ground for seeds and arthropods; readily visits backyard bird feeders. (From iBird Pro).

Medium-sized sparrow with brown-streaked upperparts, small white throat patch, and plain gray underparts. White crown has distinct black lines. Wings are brown with two pale bars.  Sexes are similar. Juvenile has buff and brown head stripes. Diet consists primarily of seeds and insects. Short flights, alternates rapid wing beats with brief periods of the wings pulled to sides.

I didn’t know what type of sparrow this was and looked it up using Merlin Photo ID app.  Juveniles are always difficult to recognize.