The pectoral sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. The yellow-mandibled sparrow was formerly considered as a subspecies.
Region
Amazon Basin and Guiana Shield
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist lowland forests, including primary terra firme and seasonally flooded forest, as well as forest edges, clearings with dense undergrowth, and secondary growth. It favors thick leaf-litter and shrub layers where it can remain concealed. Often found along stream margins and in vine tangles. Typically avoids open, treeless habitats but may venture into shaded plantations or garden edges near forest.
Altitude Range
0–1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its distinctive black band across the upper chest, the pectoral sparrow is a shy understory bird of lowland tropical forests. It forages quietly on or near the ground, often in pairs or small family groups. The yellow-billed sparrow (Arremon flavirostris) was formerly treated as a subspecies but is now recognized as a separate species.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, keeping low to the ground. Territorial during breeding, with both sexes involved in nesting duties. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense vegetation; typical clutches are two to three eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, simple whistled phrases given from low perches, often spaced out and not sustained. Calls are thin, metallic chips and soft tseet notes used to maintain contact in dense cover.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with gray head and white throat; bold black malar stripes meet to form a distinct pectoral band across the upper breast. Underparts are whitish to buff with clean flanks. Wings and tail are dusky with olive edging; overall appearance is crisp and well-contrasted in the head and chest.
Diet
Consumes small insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaf-litter and low foliage, along with seeds and fallen fruits. Will scratch or flick leaves to expose prey. Opportunistically takes soft berries and occasionally small invertebrates flushed by disturbance.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on the forest floor and in the low understory, especially along edges, thickets, and vine tangles. Also uses secondary growth, shady gardens, and plantation margins near continuous forest.
