General Description: White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) are large, sexually monomorphic, sparrows. In adults, the breast is gray and unstreaked, the chin is white, the bill is pink, and the head has bold black and white stripes. In young birds, the head stripes are reddish brown, but some adults retain the "juvenile plumage."

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Emberizidae.

Favored Habitat: Brushy areas in the desert, urban parks, and yards.

Where to Find: White-crowned Sparrows are winter visitors to the Las Vegas area. They mostly breed in the northern mountains and high arctic. During winter, they can be found at lower elevations in brushy areas. Look for them around Willow Springs in Red Rock Canyon NCA and in suburban backyards and parks. White-crowns come to seed feeders. During summer, look for White-crowns in the mountains (e.g., Mt Charleston).