Stripe-headed Sparrow

The stripe-headed sparrow, scientifically known as Peucaea ruficauda, is a robust, long-tailed bird, with a length ranging from 15.5 to 18 cm and a weight of up to 35 grams. Adults are characterized by a striking black head adorned with broad white stripes atop the crown and above each eye. The nape is a subtle grey, while the upperparts are a pale brown, with black streaks on the back and a more buff, unstreaked appearance on the rump and tail. The shoulders boast a rufous hue, and the wing feathers are edged with buff. Below, the throat and underparts are white, transitioning to buff on the flanks and a grey breast.

Identification Tips

To identify the stripe-headed sparrow, look for the distinctive head pattern with white stripes and black ground color. The rufous shoulders and buff-edged wing feathers are also key features. Juveniles present a duller head pattern with buff stripes and a brown base, and their breasts are streaked.

Habitat

This sparrow favors brushy savannahs, scrubby second growth, and woodland edges. It tends to avoid the dense interiors of forests.

Distribution

The stripe-headed sparrow's breeding range extends from the Pacific coastal regions of southwestern Mexico, through the transverse ranges and Cordillera Neovolcanica, down to Pacific coastal northern Costa Rica.

Behaviour

The species is often observed in family groups or small flocks, with a maximum of seven birds. Their flight is characterized as low and fluttery, with the tail held low. At night, they roost together in a tight group.

Song & Calls

The stripe-headed sparrow's vocal repertoire includes chattering squeaks for group communication. The male's song varies geographically, consisting of dry thin notes. The Costa Rican subspecies, P. r. ruficauda, produces a dry trill, while the northern P. r. acuminata emits a series of "pechew" double notes.

Breeding

Females construct the nest, a deep cup made of plant material and lined with fine grass or horsehair, situated less than 1.2 meters above the ground in isolated spiny scrub. They lay two to four unmarked pale blue eggs and incubate them for 12-14 days. Post-hatching, the entire group assists in feeding the chicks.

Similar Species

There are four subspecies of the stripe-headed sparrow, which generally become larger and more vividly colored from north to south. The northernmost subspecies, P. r. acuminata, is smaller and less colorful compared to the nominate subspecies in Costa Rica, P. r. ruficauda.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily, the stripe-headed sparrow feeds on grass seeds on the ground, but it also consumes small insects and spiders.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the stripe-headed sparrow as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.