Pectoral Sparrow

Overview

The pectoral sparrow (Arremon taciturnus) is a small New World sparrow first described in 1779 by Georges-Louis Leclerc. It is a non-migratory species classified as Least Concern by BirdLife International due to its extensive range and large population.

Identification

• A small bird, 15 cm in length, with pale green upperparts that turn yellow near the wing bend and a black head with white throat and crown stripes.
• Males possess a broad black pectoral band and white underparts, whereas females have dull olive upperparts, a grayish pectoral band, and creamy underparts.
• The bill is black, measuring 14–15 mm in length, with tarsi and toes that are pinkish gray and a brown iris.
• The song consists of a high-pitched buzz with short 'tzik' notes followed by 2–4 longer 'tzzzzzz' notes lasting 2–3 seconds at 8 kHz, occasionally accompanied by a rising 'seet' call.

Habitat

Found throughout southeastern South America, specifically in the Amazon Basin east of the Andes, excluding the western area between the Negro and Purus rivers. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, evergreen undergrowth, and occasionally secondary forests or light woodlands near humid ravines, reaching altitudes up to 1,500 m.

Diet

This omnivorous species forages primarily on the ground, feeding on insects such as beetles, true bugs, and ants, along with seeds and a smaller amount of various fruits. Adults have been observed bringing insect limbs to the nest to feed nestlings.

Did you know?

The species was originally named L'Oiseau Silencieux by Buffon, meaning 'the silent bird', reflecting its quiet disposition, though it does produce distinct buzzes and calls.