Botteri's Sparrow
NameBotteri's Sparrow
Common NameBotteri's Sparrow
Scientific NamePeucaea botterii
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)20.5
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaky brown with darker streaks on a grayish-brown background, while underparts are plain buffy or grayish-buff, lacking prominent streaking. It has a plain face with a faint eye-ring and a relatively stout, conical bill.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a distinctive, accelerating series of dry, insect-like trills, often described as 'chip-chip-chip-chrrrrrr' or 'tzip-tzip-tzip-tzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the southwestern United States (primarily Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) and Mexico, extending south into Central America. Northern populations are migratory, wintering further south in Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesPlain face with faint eye-ring, Unstreaked breast, Streaky brown upperparts, Relatively long tail, Distinctive insect-like song, Secretive behavior
Description
A medium-sized, rather plain sparrow, often secretive and more frequently heard than seen. It typically forages on the ground, hopping through dense grass and low shrubs.
