The black-capped sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae.
Region
Tumbesian region (western Ecuador and northwestern Peru)
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Ecuador into the departments of Tumbes and Piura in northwestern Peru. It inhabits tropical dry and semi-humid forests, dense brushy edges, second growth, and riparian thickets. The species favors tangled undergrowth and hedgerows near forest margins and agricultural mosaics. It is typically found low, from ground level up to a few meters in the understory, often remaining concealed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-capped sparrow is a shy understory bird of the Tumbesian region, keeping to dense thickets and forest edges. Its bold black cap and white facial stripes make it distinctive when seen well, though it often stays low and hidden. It adapts to secondary growth and scrub, which has helped it remain fairly common despite ongoing habitat change.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups within dense cover. Nests are placed low in shrubs or thickets; the cup is built from grasses and leaves. Both adults are involved in territory defense and parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, sweet whistles delivered in short phrases, often repeated from a low concealed perch. Calls include sharp metallic chips and soft contact notes while moving through cover.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with grayish underparts; head strikingly patterned with a solid black cap and mask contrasted by clean white facial stripes and throat. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edging; plumage is smooth and lacks heavy streaking.
Diet
Takes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaf litter and low foliage. Also consumes seeds and small berries, especially in the dry season when insects are less abundant. Forages methodically, often pausing to probe among tangled twigs and fallen leaves.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, brushy forest edges, second growth, and along overgrown trails and streamside thickets. Often forages within a meter or two of the ground where cover is thick.
