Day 191: The key to success in birding is to learn to observe typical field markings at a glance. A little practice will train your eye to look for key features like wing bars, facial characteristics, breast-flecking, etc. Here, the logic behind the common name "Golden-Crowned Sparrow" is readily apparent in adult birds of the species, but immature specimens can be mistaken for White-Crowned because the yellow patch is commonly absent in young birds. Note that Golden-Crowned has but a single stripe running over the crown of the head. White-Crowned Sparrows exhibit a "bicycle helmet" pattern with white stripes through the eyes as well as on top. A mature Golden-Crowned's yellow patch nevertheless fades to white toward the back of the head. By noting these distinguishing characteristics, you'll be able to parse these two species into their correct...um...pigeonholes. Sparrowholes?
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