Stripe-headed Sparrow Peucaea ruficauda Scientific name definitions

The Stripe-headed Sparrow (Peucaea ruficauda) is a medium to large sparrow found in savannah, scrub, second growth and open areas of seasonally dry Pacific slope regions of Mesoamerica. The overall appearance of this bird is simultaneously drab and striking. The tan and buffy upper plumage is decorated with bold white and black head stripes and bright rufous shoulder patches, and in one subspecies, the white belly and lower breast contrast with an extensive rich grey breastband. Stripe-headed Sparrows are found in pairs or conspicuous family groups of 3 - 9 birds, and are known for their chattery group vocalizations. They are the only New World sparrow known to breed cooperatively.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.