Golden-winged Sparrow

Overview

The Golden-winged sparrow (Arremon schlegeli) is a passerine bird in the family Passerellidae found in Colombia and Venezuela. It inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests and shrublands, where its population is currently stable and classified as Least Concern.

Identification

• Black head in adults, making it the only sparrow in its range with a completely black head.
• Long yellow bill in adults, though juveniles have black bills.
• Grey upperparts with a distinct patch of green on the back and a white throat.
• Average length of 150 mm, with males weighing approximately 32g and females 23g.
• Song is a high-pitched series of repeated notes described as "Zeut-zeut-zeut-zee" or "Soot-soot-soot-see".

Habitat

Resides in terrestrial ecosystems such as subtropical or tropical dry forests, shrublands, and heavily degraded former forests. Occupies woodlands and dry areas from lowlands up to 1400 metres in elevation, including forests, second-growth, thickets, ravines, and hillsides.

Diet

Feeds on seeds, fruit, and insects on or above the ground. Forages both alone and in pairs within forests with second growth and dry to humid conditions.

Did you know?

Breeding activity is linked to the wet season, marked by increased singing early in the morning during April and May.