ID Keys: Rufous crown, white malar stripe with dark stripe below it,
white eye-ring, gray below, rufous streaks on upper back
The
Rufous-crowned Sparrow is a bird of rocky, brushy areas of the southwestern
U.S., southern Great Plains, and Mexico. In range, they are sometimes
referred to as "Rock Sparrows" by the local populus, given their preference
for rocky habitats. There they are usually sighted as foraging pairs,
moving deliberately along the ground in search of insects and seeds.
There are many recognized sub-species of Rufous-crowned Sparrows, each with
minor differences in plumage and/or song.
Habitat
Found in rocky, brushy areas, such as arid rocky scrub of the desert Southwest, or shrubby areas on rocky outcrops in the southern Great Plains.
Diet
Feeds on insects and seeds, with insects and spiders making up most of the summer diet, and seeds making up a larger part of the diet in winter.
Behavior
Forages by walking along the ground, moving deliberately in search of food. Will also sometimes forages low in the foliage of shrubs or weeds. They are usually found foraging in pairs.
Nesting
The nest of a Rufous-crowned Sparrow is a cup of grasses, weeds, and twigs, built on the ground in a protected area such as the base of a shrub or small tree. The female lays 3 or 4 eggs, with the female incubating them. Upon hatching, both parents help to feed the young, who leave the nest after about 10 days.
Song
The song of a Rufous-crowned Sparrow is a rough chattering that descends in pitch. Also has a nasal deer deer deer call.
Migration
Considered a permanent resident throughout its range, although some birds at the northern end of their range may move short distances southward for the winter.
In range, most likely to be confused with Cassin's Sparrow, Rufous-winged Sparrow, or Botteri's Sparrow. The Rufous-crowned Sparrow is distinguished by its plain gray face, bold rusty crown, and relatively unstreaked underparts. Cassin's Sparrow is paler and more finely streaked overall with a subtle face pattern and buffy tones, while Rufous-winged Sparrow shows obvious rusty wing patches and a more strongly patterned face. Botteri's Sparrow is larger and plainer-faced, with buffy underparts, faint streaking, and no bright rufous crown.
Feeders
Will occasionally attend feeders for various seeds.
