Arremon dorbignii
The striking Moss-backed Sparrow (Arremon dorbignii) is a medium-sized New World sparrow, typically measuring 15-16 cm (6-6.3 inches) in length and weighing around 25-30 grams. Its distinctive appearance features a vibrant moss-green back, contrasting sharply with a bold black head adorned by a prominent white supercilium that extends to the nape. A narrow black breast band separates its white throat from its clean white belly, while its flanks are greyish. One of its most notable field marks...
This species thrives in the dense undergrowth of subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, typically at elevations between 800 and 3000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other invertebrates gleaned from leaf litter, supplemented with seeds and small fruits.
The Moss-backed Sparrow is a predominantly diurnal and secretive bird, spending most of its time foraging on or very close to the ground, often hidden within dense vegetation. It employs a distinctive scratching technique, using its feet to sift through leaf litter for food, moving with character...
The Moss-backed Sparrow is a resident species found exclusively in the Andean regions of South America. Its distribution stretches from southeastern Peru, through much of Bolivia, and into northwestern Argentina. In Peru, it is primarily found in departments such as Puno and Cuzco. The core of it...
Least Concern
- The Moss-backed Sparrow's common name perfectly describes its plumage - its back feathers are a striking olive-green, reminiscent of moss. - Despite "sparrow" in its name, it belongs to the New World sparrows (Passerellidae) rather than the Old World true sparrows (Passeridae), and is sometimes...