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*STRIPE-HEADED SPARROW  Peucaea ruficauda 17.5–19cm. Distinctive,

relatively conspicuous large sparrow of brushy fields, dry scrubby woodland,

ranchland with hedgerows. Often in small flocks; feeds on ground but perches

readily on fence posts, in low bushes and trees. No similar species in Costa Rica:

note bold head stripes, mottled breast. Juv. streaked overall with ghosting of

adult pattern, soon like adult. SOUNDS: Varied, slightly nasal to smacking chips,

at times repeated fairly persistently; also high thin ssi. High, squeaky to slightly

nasal, rhythmic twittering and high rapid tinkling duets, mostly 3–12 secs. Song

variable, ranges from a few sharp high chips run into a chipping trill, 2.5–3.5

secs, to a rapid, rhythmic, slightly squeaky chatter, 1–3 secs, repeated every few secs. STATUS: Fairly common

to common on n. Pacific slope, in smaller numbers s. into w. Central Valley, to 1000m. (Mexico to nw.

Costa Rica.)

RUSTY SPARROW  Aimophila rufescens 17.5–19cm. Large bulky sparrow of

grassy areas with scattered bushes and shrubby thickets. Mostly on or near

ground, where can be skulking, but sings from low perch; flies heavily if flushed.

No similar species in Costa Rica: note bold black mustache, bright rusty cap

and wings, stout bicolored bill. SOUNDS: Low gruff chehr, may suggest a wren

and can be repeated steadily; runs into squeakier chatters in excitement. Song a

short emphatic medley of (usually 4–5) bright rich chips, such as sip sip chi-chi-

chi, or chip chip chi-cheu, every few secs. STATUS: Uncommon and local on n.

and cen. Pacific slope, 500–1100m. (Mexico to nw. Costa Rica.)

BOTTERI’S SPARROW  Peucaea botterii 14–15cm. Rather plain, long-tailed

sparrow of grassland with rocky outcrops and scattered bushes. Rarely seen unless

singing: generally skulks on or near ground in grasses, but sings from low perch.

Plumage rather nondescript, with weak head stripes, plain buffy breast; note

long, slightly graduated tail, cf. stockier, brighter, and short-tailed Grasshopper

Sparrow. Juv. has streaky breast, ghosting of adult pattern; soon like adult.

SOUNDS: High, thin, slightly metallic sik, at times in short series. Song comprises

a varied introduction of a few high tinny chips and burry chirps run into a

pleasant, accelerating trill, 4–7 secs; also prolonged, slightly jerky, unhurried

series of varied high chips, chirps, and short trills, about 2/sec, up to 30 secs or longer. STATUS: Scarce and

local on n. Pacific slope, 400–1100m. (Mexico and sw. US to Costa Rica.)

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW  Ammodramus savannarum 12–12.5cm. Small,

stocky, rather short-tailed sparrow of dry grassland, often with scattered bushes

and boulders; migrants also in wetter pastures, brushy fields. Skulks on or near

ground in grasses and weeds; sings from low perch. Flushed birds typically fly a

short distance, silently, and drop back to cover; often difficult to relocate. Note

large head, rather short tail, plain buffy breast, whitish wingbars; cf. longer-

tailed and plainer Botteri’s Sparrow. SOUNDS: Calls insect-like, a high, soft tik

and short dry rattle. Song a high, thin, wiry, insect-like buzz, 1–2 secs, usually 1

or more introductory notes audible at close range. STATUS: Uncommon and

local on n. Pacific slope, 100–800m; scarce in winter s. to Central Valley and s. Pacific slope. (N America

to Cen America.)

*NORTHERN [WEDGE-TAILED] GRASSFINCH  Emberizoides [herbicola]

sphenurus 16.5–19cm. Now classified as a tanager, this distinctive streaky ‘finch’

inhabits taller grassland and savanna with scattered bushes and trees. In pairs or

family groups, foraging on ground or buried in grasses; flushes abruptly and flies

with pumping tail before dropping back to cover. Perches up on grass stalks and

fences to sing; when curious or alarmed, often twitches tail side-to-side. No

similar species in Costa Rica: note very long tail, streaky upperparts, mostly

pinkish-orange bill. SOUNDS:  Calls include high thin tk. Song a short, dry

chipping phrase or trill every few secs, typically introduced by 1–2 discrete notes,

such as chi-chi chi-li-li. STATUS: Uncommon and local in interior valleys of s. Pacific slope, 150–900m.

(Costa Rica to n. S America.)