Rufous Collared Sparrow

Zonotrichia capensis
Coast
Mountains
Rainforest

The Rufous Collared Sparrow belongs to the Passerellidae family. It is a handsomely patterned sparrow from highlands of Chiapas south to temperate South America. This species exists in open and semiopen habitats such as villages, towns, and farmland with hedges and brushy thickets. It feeds on the ground and in bushes, at times in flocks.

According to its appearance, it has a peaked crown, bold black-and-gray head pattern, though black much reduced in southern populations; bright rusty collar; and black chest patch. Juvenile species has ghosting of adult pattern and its breast is streaked dusky. You can see it on the Manu Reserved Zone tour.

Source: ebird

Photo: Alfredo Cornejo