Melozone leucotis
The White-eared Ground Sparrow, *Melozone leucotis*, is a strikingly patterned songbird of Central America's dense undergrowth, easily identified by its unique facial mask. Measuring 15-17 cm (6-6.7 inches) in length, it exhibits streaky brown upperparts and clean white underparts, but its head is truly distinctive: a prominent white auricular (ear) patch bordered by black, set against a black crown, white supercilium, and black eye-line. This species belongs to the Passerellidae family, the ...
Primarily inhabits dense undergrowth, forest edges, and secondary growth within humid broadleaf forests and coffee plantations, typically found at mid-elevations ranging from 600 to 2000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on insects, including beetles and ant larvae, supplemented with various seeds and small fruits; forages almost exclusively by scratching through leaf litter on the ground.
This secretive ground sparrow is often heard rather than seen, typically skulking low in dense vegetation, active primarily during daylight hours. Its primary foraging strategy involves vigorously scratching through leaf litter with both feet simultaneously, unearthing insects and seeds. White-ea...
The White-eared Ground Sparrow is a resident species found exclusively within Central America. Its breeding and year-round range extends from southern Mexico, specifically the state of Chiapas, southeastward through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, reaching its southern limit in n...
Least Concern
- The White-eared Ground Sparrow's striking facial pattern, featuring a prominent white ear patch bordered by black, is unique among Central American sparrows, making it easily identifiable. - Despite its vivid markings, this species is notoriously secretive, spending most of its time hidden in d...