The black-chested sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae that is endemic to Mexico. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Region
Southern Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid and semi-arid scrub, thorny thickets, and open slopes with scattered shrubs and cacti, as well as edges of pine–oak woodland. It is frequently found in brushy hillsides, agave fields, and fallow agricultural lands with dense shrub cover. The species favors areas with a mix of bare ground and low vegetation for foraging and cover. It is generally a resident of interior highlands rather than coastal lowlands.
Altitude Range
600–2400 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-chested sparrow is a Mexican endemic of dry and highland shrublands, recognized by its bold black chest band. It forages mainly on or near the ground, often in pairs or small family groups. Males deliver clear, musical phrases from exposed perches, especially during the breeding season.
Temperament
skulking but vocal; territorial during breeding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Pairs defend territories during the breeding season and nest low in shrubs or dense grass, building a cup-shaped nest. Young are fed primarily on insects and remain near cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, melodious series of whistles and short trills delivered from exposed perches like shrub tops or fenceposts. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes used to keep pairs in touch within dense cover.
Plumage
Upperparts brown to rufescent-brown with fine streaking; face and underparts largely gray with a striking black breast band across the upper chest. Wings show warm rufous edging and the tail is relatively long and slightly graduated. Overall appearance is clean-faced with crisp contrast between gray underparts and the dark chest band.
Diet
Feeds on grass and weed seeds, small fruits, and a variety of insects and other arthropods. During the breeding season it takes more animal prey such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Outside breeding, seeds and fallen grain become more important. It gleans on or near the ground and occasionally makes short sallies into low shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open scrub with patches of bare soil, along brushy field edges, and in lightly grazed or fallow fields. Often keeps close to dense shrubs for quick cover while feeding.
