Bill dusky above, pale below. Adult: yellow patch tops black crown; less distinct in winter. Immature: less-distinct yellow patch on brown crown. Juvenile: dark streaks on breast and sides.

The white-throated sparrow has a dark bill, prominent white throat, and yellow supraloral. Immature simi­lar to immature golden-crowned, but note the latter’s dark gray bill, indistinct head ...

Depending on the season, this sparrow can be found throughout most of North America. White-crowned sparrows that breed along the Pacific Coast tend to have yellow bills and duller white head ...