The Golden-crowned Sparrow is a rare winter visitor and migrant in Arizona, most often recorded in the northern and central parts of the state during migration periods. This species breeds from Alaska south through British Columbia and winters primarily along the Pacific Coast of the United States, rarely straying inland. In Arizona, sightings are typically of single individuals or small flocks mixed with White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys), most often in brushy areas, open woodlands, or weedy fields during late fall and winter. Distinguished by its bold black-and-gold crown in adult breeding plumage, non-breeding and immature birds show a duller, less distinct yellow central crown stripe bordered by gray or brown. The Golden-crowned Sparrow remains a scarce but regular rarity in Arizona.
