Zonotrichia capensis
The Rufous-collared Sparrow, *Zonotrichia capensis*, is an iconic and highly adaptable New World sparrow, virtually a resident across much of Latin America. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm (5.5-6.3 inches) in length and weighing 20-30 grams, it is easily identified by its distinctive rufous collar across the nape and sides of the neck, contrasting with a grey head featuring bold black crown stripes and a grey face. Two prominent white wing bars also aid in identification, while its underpart...
This highly adaptable species primarily inhabits open and semi-open environments, including scrublands, agricultural fields, gardens, parks, and urban areas. It can be found from sea level up to extreme altitudes exceeding 4,500 meters in the Andean highlands.
Primarily granivorous, their diet consists mainly of various seeds from grasses and weeds, supplemented with insects, especially during the breeding season. They forage almost exclusively on the ground, scratching with their feet to expose hidden food.
The Rufous-collared Sparrow is a diurnal ground-forager, often seen hopping and scratching through leaf litter or open ground to uncover insects and seeds. Males are highly vocal, proclaiming their territory with a characteristic, often melancholic, three-note song delivered from a prominent perc...
The Rufous-collared Sparrow boasts an extensive and continuous range spanning from southern Mexico, through Central America, and across virtually the entirety of South America, reaching as far south as Tierra del Fuego. This species is predominantly resident throughout its vast distribution, mean...
Least Concern
- The Rufous-collared Sparrow has one of the widest geographic distributions of any passerine bird in the Americas, stretching from southern Mexico to Tierra del Fuego. - It is known by many local names, including 'Chingolo' in Argentina, 'Zoncho' in Colombia, and 'Copetón' in parts of Central Am...