Rhynchospiza dabbenei
The Yungas Sparrow (*Rhynchospiza dabbenei*) is a striking passerine bird, roughly 14-16 cm in length, characterized by its intricate head pattern and streaky plumage. Adults typically display a prominent rufous crown stripe bordered by black, contrasted with a bright white supercilium and a dark malar stripe, set against a grey nape. Its upperparts are streaky brown, while the underparts are whitish, often with faint streaking on the flanks, complemented by a short, conical bill. This specie...
Found exclusively in high-elevation humid montane forests, forest edges, and dense scrubland of the Yungas region, typically between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on small seeds, but also supplements its diet with insects and other invertebrates, particularly during the breeding season.
The Yungas Sparrow is a relatively secretive species, often skulking in dense undergrowth, making it more frequently detected by its distinctive vocalizations than by sight. It is primarily diurnal, actively foraging during daylight hours, though its specific roosting habits are not well-document...
The Yungas Sparrow is endemic to the humid montane forests of the Yungas region in south-central South America. Its range extends from southern Bolivia, specifically the departments of Santa Cruz, Chuquisaca, and Tarija, southwards into northwestern Argentina, encompassing the provinces of Jujuy,...
Least Concern
- The Yungas Sparrow was only recently elevated to full species status, having previously been considered a subspecies of the Stripe-capped Sparrow (*Rhynchospiza strigiceps*) for many years. - Its scientific name, *dabbenei*, honors Argentine ornithologist Roberto Dabbene, who made significant c...