The Golden-crowned sparrow is a typical West American, relatively large sparrow. It occurs in westernmost North America, all the way from Alaska down to Baja California. Unsurprisingly, its closest relative is the even more common white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). Here it perches in a seed-producing plant, feeding on the seeds. Seeds, berries and other vegetables constitute its main food. Note the characteristic golden cap, which in English has given it its trivial name "Golden-crowned sparrow".