The Golden-crowned Sparrow has a black crown and forehead with a crown center of yellow. In winter it sports winter plumage and the black colors largely fade to brown. Male and females look alike.

Preferred habitats include mountain meadow areas and pine forest clearings. Winters are spent near coastal brush. Golden-crowned Sparrow nests can be found in the ground or placed underground.

Place the tray feeder in a protected area that offers the safety of trees or shrubs. The Golden-crowned Sparrow will feed on dropped seeds. To attract sparrows, place a blend of millet and sunflower seeds in a feeder low to the ground.

They live in California eight months of the year and spend winters along a narrow strip of the West Coast.