Spizella wortheni
The Worthen's Sparrow (Spizella wortheni) is a small, elusive New World sparrow, a true gem for the dedicated birder, known for its remarkably restricted range in north-central Mexico. Measuring approximately 13-15 cm (5.1-5.9 in) in length with a weight of 10-14 grams, it presents a subtle yet distinctive plumage. Its most striking features include a plain gray breast, a prominent white supercilium (eyebrow) contrasting with a dark eyeline, and a crown that is typically reddish-brown with fi...
This sparrow primarily inhabits semi-arid grasslands, short-grass prairies, and arid scrublands within high-altitude plateaus. It prefers areas with scattered low shrubs and bare ground, typically found between 1800-2400 meters (5,900-7,900 feet) elevation.
The diet of Worthen's Sparrow consists mainly of small grass seeds, particularly during the non-breeding season. During the breeding season, it supplements its diet with various small insects and arthropods, crucial for feeding nestlings.
Worthen's Sparrows are diurnal, spending most of their active hours foraging on the ground, often in small, loose groups outside the breeding season, though they are usually solitary or in pairs when nesting. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning seeds and insects from the ground or low veget...
The Worthen's Sparrow is an extreme endemic, with its entire known range confined to the semi-arid grasslands of the Mexican Central Plateau. Its breeding and resident range is highly fragmented, primarily encompassing areas within the states of San Luis Potosí, Nuevo León, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas,...
Endangered
- The Worthen's Sparrow is one of the rarest and most geographically restricted sparrow species in North America, endemic solely to a specific region of Mexico. - It was first described in 1884 by Robert Ridgway, who named it after Charles K. Worthen, an American naturalist and bird collector. - ...