The rusty sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae that is found in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, and subtropical or tropical high-altitude shrubland.
Region
Mesoamerica (southern Mexico to Central America)
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and into parts of Costa Rica. It inhabits subtropical and tropical dry forests, moist montane forests, pine–oak woodlands, and high-altitude shrublands. Often found at forest edges, second growth, coffee plantations with shade, and brushy clearings. It prefers dense understory or scrub where it can forage on or near the ground and retreat quickly to cover.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The rusty sparrow is a shy, ground-oriented New World sparrow of Mesoamerican highlands and adjacent lowlands. It frequents forest edges, thickets, and scrubby slopes where it forages quietly in leaf litter. During the breeding season it switches to a more insect-rich diet and males sing from prominent perches. It adapts to lightly disturbed habitats, which helps explain its generally secure conservation status.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low to the ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or dense cover. Pairs are territorial in the breeding season, with the male singing from exposed perches to advertise territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a clear, sweet series of whistles and trills delivered at a measured pace. Calls are sharp chips and soft tink notes used to maintain contact in dense cover.
