White-crowned Sparrow
Scientific Name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
The White-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys, is a familiar songbird species that breeds in the northern regions of North America and winters in milder climates, including Huntington Beach, California. These medium-sized sparrows have distinctive black and white stripes on their heads, with adults displaying bright white crowns bordered by black stripes. White-crowned Sparrows forage on the ground, feeding on seeds, insects, and small fruits. They are often seen in brushy habitats, parks, and gardens, where they may form loose flocks during the winter months.