The green-backed sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae that is found in Belize, northern Guatemala, western Honduras and southern Mexico. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Belize and northern Guatemala to western Honduras. It inhabits lowland subtropical and tropical forests, including dry forest, moist evergreen forest, and second-growth scrub. Frequently uses forest edges, riparian thickets, plantations, and heavily degraded former forest with dense understory. It generally keeps to tangles, viney thickets, and leaf-littered ground near cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This skulking sparrow stays close to the ground in dense thickets and is often heard before it is seen, giving clear, whistled notes. It tolerates disturbed habitats and edges, so it can persist where forests have been partially cleared. The bold black-and-white head pattern contrasts with its olive-green back, aiding field identification. Pairs maintain territories during the breeding season and build domed nests low in vegetation.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, keeping to dense cover. Pairs defend territories during breeding and place a domed or well-concealed nest low in vegetation or on the ground. Both adults attend the young and remain near cover when foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes delivered from within cover, often simple and evenly spaced. Calls include sharp chips and thin seep notes used for contact and alarm.
