From Opus

Aimophila carpalis

Photo by Michael W
Photographed: Catalina State Park, North Tucson, Arizona.

[edit] Identification

5.75 inches, yellowish, conical bill, rusty crown, grey face and supercilium, brown streak extends behind eye, brown back with darker streaks, rusty wings, especially shoulder. pale grey underparts, long brown tail. Sexes similar.

[edit] Similar Species

The Chipping Sparrow is very similar in plumage, but is slightly smaller with a smaller bill.

[edit] Distribution

Very local in southern Arizona, extends to northwest Mexico.

[edit] Taxonomy

Three subspecies are recognized:^[1] carpalis, bangsi (distinguenda), and chohaerens

[edit] Habitat

Sparse grasslands with mesquite bushes.

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes insects, grass and weed seeds.

The nest is built low to the ground in the edges of bushes and 4 eggs are laid. The sparrow can have two broods per year.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019

• List of references

[edit] External Links