The saffron-billed sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Region
South-Central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Bolivia and western Brazil through Paraguay to northern and northeastern Argentina, including portions of the southern Atlantic Forest and gallery forests in the Cerrado and Chaco fringes. Prefers dense understory in humid and semi-humid forests, riparian woodlands, and secondary growth thickets. Common along forest edges, bamboo stands, and overgrown clearings with ample leaf litter. Often remains near the ground and under cover, venturing into more open patches to feed. It adapts reasonably well to moderately disturbed habitats so long as understory structure persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A ground-loving New World sparrow, the saffron-billed sparrow skulkily forages in leaf litter of forest edges, gallery woods, and dense understory. Its vivid saffron-yellow bill and bold black-and-white facial pattern make it distinctive despite a secretive nature. It often travels in pairs or small family groups and gives clear, whistled songs from low perches. The species is generally tolerant of secondary growth and disturbed habitats.
Temperament
skulking and cautious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, keeping close to dense vegetation. Territorial during the breeding season, with pairs nesting low in shrubs or dense tangles. The nest is a cup of grasses and leaves; both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of clear, whistled notes and short phrases delivered from low perches or from within cover. Calls include sharp tseep notes and soft chips used to maintain contact while foraging.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with grayish underparts and a crisp black-and-white facial pattern. White supercilium and malar stripes contrast with darker ear coverts and crown. The bill is a conspicuous saffron-yellow, and the throat is pale to whitish; some birds show a faint dusky pectoral shading.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small seeds, insects, spiders, and occasional berries. Forages by hopping on the ground and scratching or flicking leaf litter to uncover prey. Insects and other invertebrates become more important during breeding, while seeds are taken year-round.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, shaded trails, bamboo stands, and dense understory within humid woodlands. Often remains under low shrubs or vine tangles, using cover for protection while foraging.
