Sparrow Look-Alikes

Distinct sounds help separate these similar species

- KEN KEFFER

White-crowned sparrow

RANGE Breeds along Pacific Coast, in western mountains and across Canada and Alaska. Winters in much of the United States and Mexico.

APPEARANCE Plain gray body with crisply patterned brown back. Adults have bold black-and-white head stripes. Rich rusty brown and gray head stripes on immature birds. Head may be slightly peaked.