Cabanis's Ground Sparrow

Overview

Cabanis's ground sparrow (Melozone cabanisi), also known as the Costa Rican ground sparrow, is a Near Threatened species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is endemic to Costa Rica and has a complicated taxonomic history, having been recognised as a full species by the IOC in 2012.

Identification

• Approximately 15 cm long with a black forecrown, chestnut-rufous crown and ear coverts, and white lores and eye-ring.
• White cheeks, chin, and throat marked by a thin black 'moustache', and white breast and belly with a central black patch.
• Olive-brown upperparts, a black bill, horn-colored legs, and reddish-brown irises.
• Song comprises a high, thin, staccato sputter or slow trill followed by clear, forceful whistles.

Habitat

Found in the highlands of north-central Costa Rica's Central Valley, between northern San José and central Cartago provinces, at elevations of 600 to 1,600 m. It inhabits open landscapes such as scrubby areas, forest edges, hedgerows, shade coffee plantations, and urban or suburban gardens.

Diet

The diet includes seeds and small insects. The bird forages in pairs on the ground or very low in vegetation, kicking leaf litter backwards with both feet simultaneously.

Did you know?

Its nests, typically constructed on the ground or in dense shrubs, are often parasitised by bronzed cowbirds.