Worthen's sparrow is a species of American sparrow that is endemic to northeastern Mexico. It was first described by Robert Ridgway in 1884 and named for the American naturalist Charles K. Worthen. This small bird has been listed as endangered by the IUCN since 1994.
Region
Northeastern Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in semi-arid highland grasslands and open shrub-steppe on the Mexican Plateau, primarily in Coahuila and adjacent parts of Nuevo León. It favors open areas with native bunchgrasses, scattered shrubs (such as mesquite and yucca), and lightly grazed pastures. The species avoids dense woodland and cultivated monocultures but may use fallow fields and field margins. Nesting typically occurs low in shrubs or dense grass clumps. Persistence depends on maintaining open structure and seed-rich native grasses.
Altitude Range
1200–2400 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Worthen's sparrow is one of the rarest New World sparrows, confined to a few patches of arid highland grassland in northeastern Mexico. Habitat loss from agriculture, overgrazing, and shrub encroachment has driven steep declines. It can be tricky to identify, resembling other Spizella sparrows; careful attention to its pale face, fine bill, and subtle wingbars helps. Conservation actions focus on protecting native bunchgrasses and managing grazing pressure.
Top right is Worthen's sparrow
Temperament
shy and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small, loose flocks that forage quietly on the ground. During breeding, pairs are territorial and nest low in shrubs or grass tussocks. Monogamous pairs attend the nest closely and increase insect feeding to nestlings. It may join mixed-species sparrow flocks in winter.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, tinkling series of high trills and short phrases, softer and drier than the Chipping Sparrow. Call notes are delicate, high tseep or tss sounds given from low perches or while foraging.
