The moss-backed sparrow, also known as the stripe-crowned sparrow, is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is found in South America from central Bolivia to northwestern Argentina.
Region
Southern Central Andes (Bolivia to northwestern Argentina)
Typical Environment
Occurs from central Bolivia south into the Andean foothills of northwestern Argentina. It favors dense edges of humid montane forest (Yungas), shrubby second growth, and riparian thickets. Birds typically keep to the understory and ground layer where cover is abundant, including bamboo and thorny scrub. It may use lightly disturbed habitats and forest-edge mosaics where seed and insect availability is high.
Altitude Range
500–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the stripe-crowned sparrow, this New World sparrow keeps to dense undergrowth where its olive, mossy-toned back provides excellent camouflage. It forages low, often flicking its tail and scratching among leaf litter for seeds and insects. Pairs or small family groups are most often seen, and the species can be surprisingly skulking despite being locally common. Its discreet habits make it easier to hear than to see.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, keeping to dense cover. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or near the ground, well concealed. Territorial singing males may use slightly more exposed perches at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, clear whistles and short trills delivered from low cover. Calls include sharp chips and soft tsip notes used to keep contact within pairs or family groups.
Plumage
Olive to moss-green back with duller brownish wings and tail; underparts grayish with paler throat. Crown shows contrasting pale and dark striping, giving a striped-crowned appearance. Feathers are matte rather than glossy, aiding camouflage in shaded understory.
Diet
Takes small seeds, fallen grains, berries, and a variety of arthropods such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Forages by hopping on the ground, scratching leaf litter, and gleaning from low stems. Seasonal availability of fruits and insects likely shifts the balance between plant and animal matter.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dense understory, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and shrubby ravines. Often stays near cover and along shaded trails or stream margins.
