There are a few different species of sparrows that can have white wings. The most common in North America are the White-crowned Sparrow and the White-throated Sparrow. Some key identifying features of white-winged sparrows include:
White-crowned Sparrow
The White-crowned Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow with a long black bill and a bold white stripe on its crown. Adults have gray heads, black and white striped crown stripes, brown streaked upperparts, and pale underparts. Their most distinguishing feature is the white patches on their wings, visible when in flight. There are four subspecies found across North America:
- Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow – Found in the West and Northwest regions
- Mountain White-crowned Sparrow – Found in the mountainous West
- Pacific White-crowned Sparrow – Found along the Pacific Coast
- Eastern White-crowned Sparrow – Found in central and eastern regions
Identification
To identify a White-crowned Sparrow, look for:
- Medium size – about 6.5 inches long
- Pink bill
- Bold black and white crown stripes
- Brown streaking on back
- Grey face
- White patches on wings visible during flight
- Pale grey underparts
Song
The song of the White-crowned Sparrow is a clear, melodious whistle. It includes 4-6 notes that descend in pitch. Their call is a soft, high-pitched “tseep”.
Habitat
White-crowned Sparrows breed in open brushy areas across northern North America. They migrate in winter to the southern half of the U.S. and Mexico. Their habitat includes:
- Thickets
- Forest edges
- Plains
- Backyards
- Parks
Range
White-crowned Sparrows breed from Alaska across Canada to the Atlantic coast. They winter along the southern half of North America from California to the East Coast. Some key areas found:
- Breeding – Alaska, Canada, Montana, Washington, Oregon
- Wintering – California, Arizona, New Mexico, Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast
- Migration – Throughout the U.S.
| Region | Season |
|---|---|
| West | Year-round in some areas, spring/summer breeding, winter migration |
| Midwest | Spring/fall migration |
| Northeast | Spring/fall migration, some wintering |
| South | Wintering |
White-throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow is another species of medium-sized sparrow that displays white patches on its wings when in flight. This species has a striking black and white striped head pattern. There are two color morphs – white-striped and tan-striped. It is common in eastern and central North America.
Identification
To identify a White-throated Sparrow, look for:
- Medium size – about 7 inches long
- Short yellow bill
- Black and white or tan and white stripes on head
- Yellow spot above eye
- Gray cheeks
- Brown back with dark streaks
- White throat
- Pale underparts
- White patches on wings visible when flying
Song
The song of the White-throated Sparrow is a clear whistled “poor sam peabody peabody peabody”. The call is a distinctive buzzy “tseet”.
Habitat
White-throated Sparrows breed in cool, dense coniferous or mixed forests across Canada. They winter in open woods, thickets, and backyards in the southern U.S. Habitat includes:
- Coniferous forests
- Forest edges
- Thickets
- Backyards
Range
White-throated Sparrows breed across Canada. They winter from the Great Plains eastward to the Atlantic Coast. Key areas include:
- Breeding – Canada, Great Lakes, Northeastern U.S.
- Wintering – Great Plains east to Atlantic Coast
- Migration – Throughout eastern U.S.
| Region | Season |
|---|---|
| Midwest | Spring/fall migration |
| Northeast | Summer breeding, spring/fall migration, wintering |
| South | Wintering |
Other Sparrows with White Wings
While the White-crowned and White-throated are the most widespread sparrows with white wings in North America, several other species may also display small white wing patches or edgings:
- Chipping Sparrow – Common across North America, small grey sparrow with rusty cap and black line through eye. May show tiny white wing bars.
- Clay-colored Sparrow – Similar to Chipping Sparrow but with dull brown cap. Found in the Great Plains and west. Can show thin white edges on wings.
- Brewer’s Sparrow – Small pale grey and brown sparrow of the west. May have buffy wingbars visible at close range.
- Golden-crowned Sparrow – Large western sparrow with bold yellow crown stripe bordered by black. Some populations have white wing markings.
Conclusion
In summary, the White-crowned Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow are the two most widespread sparrow species in North America that prominently display white patches on their wings during flight. The White-crowned is found across the northern half of the continent, while the White-throated is common in central and eastern regions. Both have distinctive head patterns – the White-crowned with black and white crown stripes and the White-throated with striking black and white or tan and white face stripes. Keep an eye out for these medium-sized grey sparrows with pops of white on their wings as they migrate and go about their daily routines.
