Rufous Winged Sparrow

 

Description:

The rufous-winged sparrow is a small bird. They have a grey head with a reddish-brown crown, patches on the wings, and stripes behind the eyes. The sparrow has two thin stripes on each side of its bill with streaked, grey underparts. They can reach 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) and can live up to three years.

 

Behavior:

The sparrow in their territories year-round and mate for life. Their diet consists of mostly seeds and insects. They make a sharp squeaky noise. Their songs can vary but always end with a series of fast chirps.
 

Reproduction:

A rufous-winged sparrow’s nest is a deep cup made of grass, located in a fork of a branch or low bush. The sparrow nests during the rains at the end of the summer season. A female can lay up to 5 pale blue or green eggs at a time. The hatchlings are helpless.

 

Habitat:

The sparrow occupies thornscrub and arid grasslands. They have experienced habitat loss from human development, leading to a decline of populations. They are sparsely distriputed in the Sonoran Desert.