Oaxaca Sparrow

Aimophila notosticta

Very local and endemic to interior of Oaxaca, where replaces larger and bulkier Rusty Sparrow (no known range overlap). Favors brushy woodland and edge and oak thickets with adjacent grassy areas. Usually rather skulking, on or near the ground, but often feeds at edges early and late in the day. Sings from more conspicuous perches in bushes and trees. Note the all-black bill and strong face pattern, with black lores setting off the broken white eyering.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Aimophila notosticta
Authority
(Sclater, PL & Salvin, 1868)
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Passerellidae
Genus
Aimophila

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Short-billed Canastero

Short-billed Canastero

Asthenes baeri

Medium-sized, rather nondescript bird, plain dull brown with a tail that is usually held cocked. Note the orange throat patch. Inhabits arid areas with scrub and woodlands, where it forages both in trees and on the ground. The song is a high nasal trill. The similar Sharp-billed Canastero has a longer bill and tail and an indistinct eyebrow.

Somali Sparrow

Somali Sparrow

Passer castanopterus

The equivalent of House Sparrow in dry parts of the Horn of Africa. Males have a chestnut crown and nape, a black bib, and a variable pale yellowish wash on the cheeks and underparts. Females are very dull, but usually also show a yellow wash below. Found in dry habitats including dry thorn savanna, thorn scrub, desert, and coastal cliffs, often around human habitation. Visually similar to House Sparrow, but separated by the yellow wash, and the male is further separated by the chestnut rather than gray crown. Also similar to rufous sparrows, but the male is separated from those species by his chestnut crown, and the female by her much drabber coloration. The call is a “cheep” very similar to that of House Sparrow. 

Island Canary

Island Canary

Serinus canaria

Restricted to the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira. Slightly bigger than European Serin and yellow-green overall with a pale bill, and a dark forked tail. Has a streaky rump, but this can be hard to see. Males are greenish-yellow below while females are duller and grayer on the breast and neck. The song is very melodic and rich. Found in forests, plantations, gardens, and orchards, sometimes gathering in flocks. Introduced to the Midway Atoll, where coloration ranges from unstreaked bright yellow to almost white.

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