How Do You Spell ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS?

1. Zonotrichia leucophrys, commonly known as the White-crowned Sparrow, is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the family Passerellidae. It is native to North America, with a breeding range spanning from Alaska and northern Canada to parts of the western United States. This sparrow species is renowned for its distinctive white and black striped crown, which serves as its most visible field mark distinguishing it from other sparrows.

   The White-crowned Sparrow measures approximately 6.7 to 7.5 inches (17 to 19 centimeters) in length. It has a rounded body shape with a short tail and a thick conical bill. Its plumage features a mix of brown, gray, and black on the upperparts, while the underparts are lighter with a buffy color. The juvenile White-crowned Sparrows have brown stripes on their crown, which gradually transition into the distinct white and black stripes of adults as they reach maturity.

   This species is known for its melodic song, consisting of a series of clear and whistling notes often described as "Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody." The White-crowned Sparrow primarily inhabits brushy areas, forests, and shrubs near open fields and meadows, where it feeds on a diverse diet consisting of seeds, insects, berries, and small fruits.

   During the breeding season, male White-crowned Sparrows establish their territories through song and visual displays to attract females. They generally construct cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grass, and leaves on or close to the ground. The female typically lays 3 to 5 pale blue or greenish-blue eggs, which are then incubated by both parents.

   Overall, the Zonot

Common Misspellings for ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS

The word "Zonotrichia leucophrys" has its etymology rooted in Greek and Latin.

The genus name "Zonotrichia" is derived from the Greek words "zonē" which means "band" or "belt" and "thrix" meaning "hair". This refers to the distinct white crown stripe or "band" of feathers that gives this bird its recognizable appearance.

The species name "leucophrys" is a combination of two Latin words - "leucus" meaning "white" and "ophrys" meaning "eyebrow". This is in reference to the white stripe above the eye that resembles an "eyebrow".

So, when combined, "Zonotrichia leucophrys" can be roughly translated as "band-haired bird with white crown stripe and eyebrow", which accurately describes the defining characteristics of this species, commonly known as the White-crowned Sparrow.