Sparrows & Towhees

6 species

All groups

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis

SmallAbundant

The small gray-and-white bird hopping under the feeder all winter. Our form wears a
black hood and looks nothing like the juncos elsewhere in the country.

Year-round, far more numerous in winter Ground under shrubs, trail edges, beneath feeders Its call is recorded in the field guide
Open the field guide
Golden-crowned Sparrow

Golden-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia atricapilla

MediumCommon in winter

A winter sparrow with one of the most recognizable songs in the Pacific Northwest,
and a name that fits only half the year.

Fall through spring Brushy edges, blackberry, weedy ground near cover Its call is recorded in the field guide
Watch the video Open the field guide
Savannah Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis

SmallUncommon

A streaky grassland sparrow that stays low and flushes from under your feet.

Spring through fall Open grassy ground, field edges, meadow Its call is recorded in the field guide
Open the field guide
Song Sparrow

Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia

SmallAbundant

The default sparrow of the Pacific Northwest, and a genuinely good singer that
most people never stop to listen to.

Year-round Brushy edges, blackberry, marsh margins Its call is recorded in the field guide
Watch the video Open the field guide
Spotted Towhee

Spotted Towhee
Pipilo maculatus

MediumCommon

Usually heard before it is seen — a loud rummaging in dry leaves that sounds far
too big for a sparrow.

Year-round Leaf litter under dense brush and blackberry Its call is recorded in the field guide
Watch the video Open the field guide
White-crowned Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys

MediumCommon

A crisp, upright sparrow with a boldly striped head and a song that changes by
neighborhood.

Year-round; most numerous in winter Brushy edges, hedges, weedy ground near cover Its call is recorded in the field guide
Open the field guide