Sierra Madre Sparrow
NameSierra Madre Sparrow
Common NameSierra Madre Sparrow
Scientific NameXenospiza baileyi
FamilyPasserellidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)18.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are brownish-rufous with dark streaks, especially on the back. Underparts are white with heavy black streaking on the breast and flanks. The head features a broad rufous crown stripe, dark lateral crown stripes, a prominent white supercilium, and a dark eye-line. A rufous patch is visible on the shoulders.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a series of clear, sweet, whistled notes, sometimes with a buzzy quality. Calls include a sharp "chip" or "tsip".
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, mountain
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to a fragmented range within the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges of central Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesRufous crown stripe, White supercilium, Dark eye-line, Rufous back and shoulder patch, Heavily streaked white underparts, Small, conical bill, High-altitude grassland/pine-oak forest habitat in Mexico
Description
This rare and elusive sparrow is characterized by its distinctive head pattern, rufous back, and heavily streaked underparts. It inhabits high-altitude grasslands and pine-oak forests in central Mexico, where it forages for seeds and insects.
