The orange-billed sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. In Central America it is found in Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. In northwestern South America the orange-billed sparrow is found in Colombia, Ecuador and northern Peru. The species are black and as the name suggests, have an orange bill. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Central America and northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and south into Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. It inhabits humid lowland and foothill forests, favoring dense understory, forest edges, and streamside thickets. The species also uses second growth and shaded plantations adjacent to primary forest. It is typically most common in dark, tangled ground cover where it can remain concealed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This skulking forest sparrow is easiest to detect by its glowing orange bill, which stands out in the dim understory. It often keeps to dense thickets near streams and will hop out briefly to forage on the forest floor. Several subspecies vary slightly in shade, but all share the bold head pattern and bright bill. It builds a domed nest low to the ground or in dense vegetation.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats close to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, occasionally near mixed-species flocks at forest edges. Pairs maintain small territories with males singing from low, hidden perches. Nests are domed and placed low in dense cover or near the ground, with both parents caring for young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled notes and short phrases delivered from concealed perches. Calls include thin, metallic tseet and sharp chips used for contact and alarm.
