Breeds in Aleutian Is (eastern from Unimak I and Shumagin Is) and western and north-central Alaska, western Canada (central Yukon and probably south-western Northwest Territories south to southern British Columbia and south-western Alberta) and adjacent USA (extreme north-western Washington). Non-breeding from southern Alaska and southern British Columbia south to south-western USA (south to western California and eastern Nevada) and north-western Mexico (northern and central Baja California, rarely south to Sonora).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 5,000,000 (2010).
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) [XC160064]
by Ian Cruickshank from Swan Lake, Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada (call, flight call, flight calls and a few chatter calls)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) [XC194117]
by Elias Aristides Elias from Salmon Glacier, Stewart, British Columbia, Canada (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Genus probably close to Junco. Perhaps most closely related to White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), with which it sometimes hybridizes. Hybridizes less frequently with White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet