Five-striped Sparrow
Amphispizopsis quinquestriata
Subtly handsome sparrow of northwest Mexico, with range extending just into Arizona. Note the black-and-white throat stripes (five stripes, including the white central throat), brownish upperparts, and gray breast with black central spot. Found in brushy scrub and thorn forest, especially on rocky slopes. Usually in pairs, which keep in touch with high, rhythmic twittering choruses. Can be very skulking. Mostly stays low in brush or on the ground, but sings from atop bushes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Amphispizopsis quinquestriata
- Authority
- (Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1868)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Passerellidae
- Genus
- Amphispizopsis
Range and habitat
The five-stripped sparrow favours steep brushy hillsides in canyon regions.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
New Caledonian Imperial-Pigeon
Ducula goliath
Enormous, long-tailed, mostly dark slaty-blue pigeon with dark rufous belly and vent. Tail dark chestnut at the base and dark gray towards the tip. Found throughout New Caledonia, preferring hilly or montane forest and most common in areas with high-quality habitat. Larger than any other pigeon or dove species on New Caledonia. Listen for its far-carrying low-pitched booming song, especially early in the morning.
Green Hylia
Hylia prasina
An unusual and distinctive warbler of humid forest, mostly olive-brown with a whitish eyebrow and throat. Found in rainforest at low and middle elevations, usually at middle levels. Somewhat similar to Uganda Woodland-Warbler, but larger, with darker underparts. Also distinguished from other similar warblers by the dark underparts. Most readily detected by its distinctive and frequent call, a penetrating double whistle. Also gives a fast, scolding chatter.
Least Auklet
Aethia pusilla
An abundant tiny auklet, only slightly larger than a sparrow. Occurs in large colonies around rocky shores during summer, and in smaller flocks further from the coast during winter. Summer plumage appears messy with numerous gray spots around the belly. Winter plumage is more contrastingly marked with flashing white belly and shoulders. Gives frequent, consistent squawks and squeaks at colonies. Readily separable from other auklets due to its whiter plumage and smaller size.
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