Prevost's Ground Sparrow

The Prevost's ground sparrow, also known as the white-faced ground sparrow, is a modestly sized bird, averaging 15 cm in length and weighing around 28 grams. It is characterized by its unstreaked olive-brown upperparts and predominantly white underparts. The adult boasts a rufous crown, which extends down the sides of the neck as a half collar behind the white face, and a stubby dark-grey bill. Juveniles present a more subdued appearance with browner upperparts, yellower underparts, and a less distinct head pattern.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Prevost's ground sparrow, look for the distinctive rufous crown and the white face, which are key features of this species. The bird's olive-brown upperparts are unstreaked, which can help distinguish it from other sparrows with more patterned plumage.

Habitat

This bird is typically found in the undergrowth and thickets of semi-open woodland, coffee plantations, hedgerows, and large gardens. It prefers middle altitudes, ranging from 600 to 1600 meters.

Distribution

The Prevost's ground sparrow breeds from southern Mexico to western Honduras. It was once considered conspecific with the Cabanis's ground sparrow.

Behaviour

Prevost's ground sparrows are often seen in pairs and are known for their shy demeanor. They are most easily observed at dusk or near dawn when they may venture into open areas.

Breeding

The female constructs a neat lined cup for a nest, which is placed less than 2 meters up in a bush or large tussock. She lays a clutch of two or three ruddy-blotched white eggs and incubates them for 12 to 14 days. The male assists in feeding the chicks. This species is occasionally targeted by the bronzed cowbird for brood parasitism.

Feeding

These birds forage on the ground, consuming a diet of seeds, fallen berries, insects, and spiders.

Voice

The Prevost's ground sparrow's calls include a thin "tsit" or a clearer "psee." During the wet season, the male's song is a whistled "pst’t’t’t peer peer peer whee whee whee," which emanates from a concealed perch.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Prevost's ground sparrow as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.