Yellow-browed Sparrow
Ammodramus aurifrons
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Yellow-browed Sparrow is a short-tailed, long-legged sparrow with a relatively stout bill. Its most distinctive feature is a bright yellow eyebrow (supercilium) set against a grey head with fine dark streaking.
The upperparts are grey with darker streaking, while the underparts are primarily grey on the breast and flanks, becoming off-white on the belly. The wing shows yellow patches at the bend, visible when perched.
Both sexes look identical. Juveniles are similar but duller overall, with less yellow on the face and subtle streaking across the breast.
Size
Length
12cm to 13cm
Wingspan
18cm to 20cm
Weight
14g to 18g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Yellow
Secondary Colour
White Grey
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Pink Brown
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Yellow-browed Sparrows inhabit a range of open and semi-open habitats, including grasslands, savannahs, and forest edges. They are found in parts of South America, including countries like Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
These birds are non-migratory and maintain a relatively stable distribution throughout the year, adapting to seasonal changes within their habitats.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Yellow-browed Sparrow. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Quite nimble and agile, demonstrated by their ability to hop and manoeuvre effectively through dense vegetation and their quick retreating behaviour when disturbed. Their small size and light weight (14-18g) contributes to their manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small passerine weighing under 20g, they possess modest strength typical for their size. Whilst capable of scratching and foraging effectively, they're not particularly powerful birds compared to many other species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable birds that thrive across various habitats from grasslands to forest edges, surviving in areas with limited water access. They can adjust their diet seasonally between seeds and insects, showing remarkable environmental flexibility.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst they defend their territories during breeding season through vocal displays, they're generally non-confrontational birds that prefer to retreat when threatened. They socialise well in small groups during non-breeding periods.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates good endurance through regular foraging activities and ability to survive in varied conditions. Their capacity to maintain stable territories year-round and forage continuously in their habitat indicates solid stamina, though not exceptional by avian standards.
Diet
The Yellow-browed Sparrow primarily feeds on seeds from grasses and other plants. They supplement their diet with insects, especially during the breeding season.
These birds often forage in small flocks, pecking at the ground or low vegetation.
Behaviour
Yellow-browed Sparrows are typically seen foraging on the ground or in low vegetation, hopping and scratching for food.
They are often found in small groups or pairs and can be quite secretive, quickly retreating to cover when disturbed.
Vocalisation
The Yellow-browed Sparrow's song is a series of high-pitched, buzzy notes, often described as 'tsee-tsee-tsee-tseee'. Their call is a short, sharp 'chip'.
During the breeding season, males sing from exposed perches to defend territory and attract mates.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, which varies across their range. Yellow-browed Sparrows form monogamous pairs during this time.
The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using grasses and plant fibres, usually placed low in dense vegetation or on the ground. The clutch typically consists of 2-3 pale blue or greenish eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily carried out by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 10-12 days.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Yellow-browed Sparrow is currently listed as Least Concern, habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion poses a potential threat.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting their woodland and grassland habitats across their range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in grassy areas near forest edges or in open woodlands
- Listen for their distinctive high-pitched, buzzy song
- Observe early morning or late afternoon when they are most active
- Use binoculars to spot their characteristic yellow eyebrows
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include snakes, small mammals like opossums, and birds of prey such as hawks and owls.
Did You Know?
- Despite their name, Yellow-browed Sparrows are not true sparrows but belong to the New World sparrow family.
- They play a role in seed dispersal within their ecosystems.
- These birds can survive in areas with limited water by obtaining moisture from their food.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Ammodramus aurifrons. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22721150A263303831.
View source - 2 4
report, 1996: Stotz et al.
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