What characterizes the crown of Juvenile White-crowned Sparrows before first prebasic molt?
Answer
Dull, buffy-brown color heavily streaked with darker markings
Juvenile White-crowned Sparrows display a marked difference from the crisp adults, primarily for camouflage purposes while they are young. Instead of the sharp black and white pattern seen in adults, the crown of a young bird is a dull, buffy-brown color. This buffy coloration is heavily streaked with darker brown or black markings. This streaking extends down onto the face and breast, giving the juvenile bird an overall browner and less contrasted appearance compared to the definitive adult plumage achieved after the first prebasic molt.
Related Questions
How many primary stripes define the adult White-crowned Sparrow crown pattern?What characterizes the crown of Juvenile White-crowned Sparrows before first prebasic molt?What is the typical color of the bill in breeding adult White-crowned Sparrows?How do the breast and belly of the White-crowned Sparrow compare to the Song Sparrow's markings?Does the White-crowned Sparrow exhibit obvious sexual dimorphism in plumage?What phenomenon explains why northern Gambel’s subspecies tend to be slightly larger overall?What appears when a juvenile White-crowned Sparrow begins resolving toward first winter plumage?Why is observing the pale leg color helpful during field identification of the sparrow?What two pale markings are noticeable on the wings of the White-crowned Sparrow?Besides the crown, what distinguishing facial feature is often noted on the White-crowned Sparrow's face?