Gray-crowned Ground-Sparrow
NameGray-crowned Ground-Sparrow
Common NameGray-crowned Ground-Sparrow
Scientific NameMelozone leucotis
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsThis species features a distinctive head pattern with a gray crown, bright yellow supercilium, a black eye-stripe, and a prominent white malar stripe bordered by black. The back and wings are olive-gray, while the underparts are gray, often with a buffy wash on the flanks.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of clear, whistled notes, often accelerating in pace. Calls include sharp 'chip' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central America, ranging from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.
Identifying FeaturesStriking gray, yellow, black, and white head pattern, Bright yellow supercilium, Prominent white malar stripe, Olive-gray back and gray underparts, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Gray-crowned Ground-Sparrow is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling sparrow known for its striking head pattern. It typically forages on the forest floor, scratching through leaf litter for insects and seeds.
