The yellow-browed sparrow is a species of bird in the family Passerellidae. First described by Johann Baptist von Spix in 1825, this American sparrow is found across much of the Amazon basin in South America. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, pastureland, and heavily degraded former forest.
Region
Amazon Basin and northern–central South America
Typical Environment
Found across much of the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas, with populations in adjacent lowland regions. It favors open or semi-open environments such as shrubby second growth, pastureland with scattered bushes, agricultural margins, and river islands. The species also occurs along forest edges and in heavily degraded or regenerating former forest. It is tolerant of human presence and can appear near rural settlements and roadsides.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small sparrow thrives in disturbed and semi-open habitats, including pastures and shrubby edges, and often colonizes river islands and regenerating clearings. It is frequently detected by its bright yellow eyebrow and simple, tinkling song delivered from low shrubs or fence lines. The species adapts well to human-altered landscapes, which helps explain its wide distribution and stable status.
Temperament
discreet but active, often skulking low in shrubs and grasses
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats in low, undulating flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups after breeding. Males sing from exposed low perches such as fence lines or shrub tops. Nests are shallow cups placed low in grasses or shrubs, and pairs are presumed monogamous during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple, tinkling series of high notes or a short dry trill, repeated from a low perch. Calls include thin tseep notes and sharp chips given in contact or alarm.
Plumage
Brown, lightly streaked upperparts with a paler, buff-washed underside and cleaner whitish belly; neat, sparrow-like patterning with subtle back streaking.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small grass and weed seeds, supplemented by insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars, especially during the breeding season. It will also take small fruits or buds opportunistically. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, picking items from bare soil, short grasses, and the bases of shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Prefers open, grassy or shrubby areas with scattered cover, including pastures, fallows, and second growth. Frequently forages along edges of tracks, fields, and river islands where seeds and small arthropods are abundant.
