White-crowned Sparrow Watching in Oregon

The White-crowned Sparrow is a songbird that mostly breeds in northwestern Canada and Alaska, and they can be found in fairly abundant numbers in Oregon during the winter. In the area south of the Columbia River in the eastern part of the state there are smaller groups who spend all year, but otherwise winter is the best time to find them.Around 6 inches long at maturity with distinctive black and white stripes on the head, they are sometimes confused with the White-throated Sparrow, though they don't have markings on their throats. During the winter they eat mostly seeds of grasses and weeds, but those found during the summer will often find them hunting for insects instead.

Habitats for White-crowned Sparrows

The White-throated Sparrows found in the winter are usually found in thickets and overgrown fields. They are also found frequently in agricultural fields and even backyards. They prefer to eat sunflower seeds from feeding stations, though often from the ground rather than from the feeder itself.

Best seasons to see White-crowned Sparrows in Oregon

With the exception of the smaller number who live in the northeastern part of the state, the White-throated Sparrow will generally arrive in September and begin leaving again by late March or April.

White-crowned Sparrows in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Thickets and fields
Seasons: September through March in most of the state
Abundance: Common in the right habitat

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