Saffron-billed Sparrow

Overview

The saffron-billed sparrow (Arremon flavirostris) is a species of New World sparrow in the family Passerellidae. It is found across parts of South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, and is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• Bill: Striking orange bill, which gives the species its common name.
• Plumage: Adult males have a mostly black head with a white supercilium, a gray neck, and green back, wings, and tail; the underside is white with grayish edges and a narrow black band across the upper chest. Females are similar but duller overall, with buffy underparts and brown flanks.
• Size: Length ranges from 15 to 16.5 cm (5.9 to 6.5 in), with a mean weight between 23.6 and 28.1 g.
• Song: A series of rapid notes described as 'tsit, tsee-tsi-tsi, tseép-seép-tseép' or 'sidsidlidsidlsidli', accompanied by an insect-like 'tseet' call.

Habitat

Primarily inhabits tropical deciduous forest, both primary and second-growth, often near forest edges, interior openings, and along waterways. Its elevation range extends from sea level to 1,400 m. The nominate subspecies is found in central and eastern Brazil, while the 'gray-backed' subspecies ranges further south into central and southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, much of Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina.

Diet

The diet is not well known but includes fruit, grain, and insects.

Did you know?

The species vocalises on or near the ground, which is unusual for many small songbirds that typically sing from elevated perches.