The Tocuyo sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae that is found in Colombia and cities like Tocuyo and Lara of Venezuela. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. The species' name comes from Tocuyo de la Costa, a town in Venezuela, which it inhabits.
Region
Northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical and tropical dry forests, thorny scrublands, cactus-dominated thickets, and arid woodland edges. It favors areas with dense low cover, including hedgerows, overgrown pastures, and dry gullies. Often found near the base of hills, coastal plains, and intermontane valleys. Tolerates some disturbance and can use shrubby agricultural margins. Frequently forages on the ground along paths and at the edges of brushy patches.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named after Tocuyo de la Costa on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, this sparrow is a shy skulker of dry forests and thorn scrub. It often stays low in dense cover, where it forages quietly on or near the ground. It can be confused with other brownish sparrows, but its clean white eyebrow and dusky eye-line are good field marks. The species persists well in semi-open, seasonally dry habitats and scrubby edges.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over scrub
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small family groups, keeping to dense brush. Builds a cup-shaped nest low in shrubs or in thick grass. Likely monogamous, with both parents participating in care of young. Territorial during breeding, but may join loose foraging groups outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes and thin tinkling phrases delivered from low perches within scrub. Calls are sharp chips and soft tsip notes, often given while foraging under cover.
Plumage
Olive-brown upperparts with slightly warmer brown wings and tail; grayish face with a crisp white supercilium and a dusky eye-line; underparts buffy to grayish with a paler throat.
Diet
Takes small seeds, grass grains, and various arthropods such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Will also consume small fruits and berries when available. Forages by gleaning and scratching in leaf litter, often under shrubs or at the base of grasses. Diet shifts seasonally, with more insects taken during breeding.
Preferred Environment
Ground and low shrub layers in dry scrub and open woodland edges. Frequently along paths, dry streambeds, and brushy fence lines where seeds and insects are concentrated. Uses dense cover to feed while remaining concealed.
