Which subspecies shows a duller or buffier crown tint compared to the nominate form?
Answer
Z. l. oriantha
Regional differentiation within the species is evident in crown striping variations among subspecies. The Western subspecies, often designated as Z. l. oriantha (Nuttall’s subspecies), frequently displays a crown where the white stripes appear tinged with yellowish or grayish hues, resulting in a much duller or buffier overall appearance. This contrasts sharply with the nominate subspecies, Z. l. leucophrys, which typically exhibits the starkest, high-contrast black-and-white pattern typical of the species description seen farther east.
Related Questions
How many black stripes typically mark the crown of an adult White-crowned Sparrow?Which subspecies shows a duller or buffier crown tint compared to the nominate form?What color are the crown stripes on immature White-crowned Sparrows?What bill color typically distinguishes the White-crowned Sparrow from the White-throated Sparrow?What is the distinctive characteristic of White-crowned Sparrow migration timing?What type of habitat do White-crowned Sparrows prefer during the breeding season?Where are wintering White-crowned Sparrows frequently found foraging?What characteristic motion do White-crowned Sparrows use when scratching for food on the ground?How does the diet of the White-crowned Sparrow shift as fall approaches?Which phrase often approximates the clear, sweet whistled song of the White-crowned Sparrow?