Zonotrichia
| Zonotrichia | |
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| White-crowned sparrow | |
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| Genus: | Zonotrichia Swainson, 1832
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Z. leucophrys | |
Zonotrichia is a genus of five American sparrows of the family Emberizidae. Four of the species are North American, but the rufous-collared sparrow breeds in highlands from the extreme southeast of Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, and on Hispaniola.
The species are:
- White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Pacific White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambeli
- White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
- Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla
- Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
- Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula
These birds have brown backs streaked with black, and distinctive head markings. Their cup nests, built by the female, are of plant material lined with fine grasses and constructed on the ground, low in a tree or bush, or in a niche in a wall.
The female lays brown-blotched greenish-blue or greenish white eggs, which she incubates for 12–14 days. The male helps in feeding the chicks.
Zonotrichia sparrows feed on the ground on seeds, fallen grain, insects and spiders.
References
- Byers, Olsson and Curson, Buntings and Sparrows ISBN 1-873403-19-4
- Stiles and Skutch, A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica, ISBN 0-8014-9600-4