What time frame marks the peak return migration northbound for White-crowned Sparrows?
Answer
April and May.
The timing of migration is relatively predictable across the species' range. After wintering in southern areas, the process of returning to northern breeding grounds begins around late February. However, the main impetus and peak activity for their return journey—where the largest movements of birds are observed heading north—occurs later in the spring. This peak passage typically happens during the months of April and May as they race back toward their nesting territories to commence breeding activities.
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