Better learn those four-letter words, tweeters; they're with us to stay.

I should have added to my previous posting that the White-crowned Sparrow
has a distinct immature plumage that it holds for its first winter, molting
into adult plumage the following spring. This is the only sparrow that
winters here in which it is very clear whether you are looking at a
first-year or older bird, the latter having the classical black and white
head stripes. In related species in the genus Zonotrichia, there is a
distinct first-winter plumage, but it is a bit harder to place every
individual correctly. In these species--White-throated, Harris', and
Golden-crowned--adults are indeed brighter than immatures, but some birds
look intermediate.

Dennis Paulson phone: (206) 756-3798
Slater Museum of Natural History fax: (206) 756-3352
University of Puget Sound e-mail: dpaulson at ups.edu
Tacoma, WA 98416