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Sierra Madre Sparrow (Xenospiza baileyi)

Sierra Madre Sparrow

Xenospiza baileyi

Endangered

Overview

The Xenospiza baileyi, also known as Bailey's sparrow, is an endangered and enigmatic American sparrow endemic to Mexico. It is the sole species in its genus and faces a high risk of extinction due to significant habitat loss.

Habitat

Restricted to bunchgrass and marshland habitats (zacatonal) in volcanic mountain ranges in and near the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico, at elevations of 2,300–3,050 metres. The southern population occupies higher altitudes with dominant grasses such as Festuca amplissima and Stipa ichu, alongside small woods of Montezuma Pine, while the northern population is associated with pine, oak, and Arbutus trees.

Did you know?

Discovered in 1889 but not recognised as a distinct species until 1931, the birds were initially mistaken for aberrant Savannah or Mexican Plateau song sparrows.

Sources