Zonotrichia

Taxobox
name = "Zonotrichia"


image_width = 250px
image_caption = White-crowned Sparrow
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
familia = Emberizidae
genus = "Zonotrichia"
genus_authority = Swainson, 1832
subdivision_ranks = species
subdivision = "Z. leucophrys "
"Z. albicollis "
"Z. atricapilla "
"Z. capensis "
"Z. querula"

"Zonotrichia" is a genus of five American sparrows of the family Emberizidae. Four of the species are North American, but the Rufous-collared Sparrow breeds in highlands from the extreme southeast of Mexico to Tierra del Fuego, and on Hispaniola.

The species are

* White-crowned Sparrow, "Zonotrichia leucophrys"
* White-throated Sparrow, "Zonotrichia albicollis"
* Golden-crowned Sparrow, "Zonotrichia atricapilla"
* Rufous-collared Sparrow, "Zonotrichia capensis"
* Harris's Sparrow, "Zonotrichia querula"

These birds have brown backs streaked with black, and distinctive head markings. Their cup nests, built by the female, are of plant material lined with fine grasses and constructed on the ground, low in a tree or bush, or in a niche in a wall.

The female lays brown-blotched greenish-blue or greenish white eggs, which she incubates for 12-14 days. The male helps in feeding the chicks.

"Zonotrichia" sparrows feed on the ground on seeds, fallen grain, insects and spiders.

References

* Byers, Olsson and Curson, "Buntings and Sparrows" ISBN 1-873403-19-4
* Stiles and Skutch, "A guide to the birds of Costa Rica", ISBN 0-8014-9600-4