Oriturus superciliosus
The Striped Sparrow (Oriturus superciliosus) is a striking New World sparrow, immediately identifiable by its bold facial pattern featuring a prominent white supercilium, bordered above by a dark lateral crown stripe and below by a distinct dark line through the eye. This medium-sized sparrow measures approximately 15-17 cm (6-6.7 inches) in length and weighs about 25-30 grams, exhibiting typical sparrow proportions with a relatively long tail. Its overall plumage is a blend of brownish-gray ...
Found in high-altitude montane grasslands, open pine-oak woodlands, and shrubby clearings, often preferring disturbed areas and agricultural edges. It typically inhabits elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters (6,500 to 13,000 feet) above sea level.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds from grasses and weeds, supplemented significantly by insects and other invertebrates, particularly during the breeding season. Forages almost exclusively on the ground by gleaning and scratching.
The Striped Sparrow is primarily a ground-foraging species, often seen gleaning seeds and insects from open ground or scratching through leaf litter with characteristic sparrow foot movements. While typically solitary or found in pairs, they may form small, loose flocks outside the breeding seaso...
The Striped Sparrow is endemic to the highlands of Mexico, exhibiting a somewhat discontinuous distribution from northwestern to southern parts of the country. Its breeding and year-round range extends from southeastern Sonora and southwestern Chihuahua, south through the Sierra Madre Occidental ...
Least Concern
- The Striped Sparrow belongs to a monotypic genus, Oriturus, meaning it is the sole species in its genus, highlighting its unique evolutionary history. - Its scientific name, 'superciliosus,' directly refers to its most striking feature: the prominent white supercilium or 'eyebrow. - This specie...