Which of the five recognized White-crowned Sparrow subspecies resides permanently along the California coast?
Answer
Z. l. nuttalli
The subspecies *nuttalli* is characterized by its specific geographic restriction and migratory behavior. Unlike many other populations that undertake long migrations, the *nuttalli* subspecies maintains year-round residency strictly along the California coast. This permanent residence contrasts sharply with the northern *gambelii*, which migrates extensively to the Arctic Circle, and the eastern *leucophrys*, which is generally migratory across the central US.
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