Rufous-Crowned Sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps
DescriptionThis secretive little bird spends most of its time on the ground, but if startled it will investigate by flying to a nearby perch. An exception is during Spring mornings when this bird sings from the tops of boulders or another similiar perch.
Chestnut-brown rufous crown. Brown back with dark streaks. Brown wings. Long, brown tail. Pale gray face, back of neck, chest, belly, and underparts. Brown, rufous eyestripe. Conical black bill. Conspicuous black "whisker" mark on side of chin. Pink legs and feet. Young have diffuse streaks on breast and flanks. Sexes similiar. 5 to 6 inches in length.
Open oak woodlands, arid, treeless uplands, often near rocky outcrops.
Nesting3-5 white or slightly bluish eggs with a ? day incubation period. Fledging occurs ? days after hatching. Nest is made from plant matter and grass on or near the ground.
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