Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow
NameRusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow
Common NameRusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow
Scientific NameMelozone kieneri
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)22.5
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsThe Rusty-crowned Ground-Sparrow has a distinctive rusty-orange crown and nape. Its face is dark grey with a prominent white crescent below the eye and a clean white throat. The upperparts are olive-brown to greyish-brown, while the underparts are whitish with buffy flanks.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of sharp, metallic chips and a rapid, accelerating trill.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to western Mexico, its range extends from southern Sonora south through Jalisco to Oaxaca.
Identifying Featuresrusty-orange crown, dark grey face, white throat, white crescent below eye, ground-dwelling
Description
This medium-sized ground-sparrow is characterized by its striking rusty-orange crown and nape, contrasting with a dark grey face and white throat. It primarily forages on the ground in dense undergrowth, often in dry tropical forests and scrubland.
