Look for White-crowned Sparrows in brushy and grassy openings adjacent to forests. These birds can be difficult to identify; their characteristic white crown comes with age.

There are several different varieties of White-crowned Sparrows. Here in Fairbanks, you’re most likely to spot the Gambel’s variety. They have gray breasts and collars. Like other sparrows, they have brown, black, and white-streaked wings. Adults have black and white-striped heads, whereas juveniles have brown and white-striped heads. Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows have pale gray lores (feathers between their beaks and eyes).