SPARROWS

Botteri’s Sparrow 

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Peucaea botterii

The Botteri's Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow, primarily found in Mexico, with a breeding range that extends into the southeastern tip of the U.S. state of Arizona. There is a small non-migratory population in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas, which is threatened by loss of habitat.  

Adults are streaky gray-brown to russet above (paler in Texas birds) and pale buffy or creamy below. They have a brownish crown, a thin brownish eyestripe, and a pale throat.

Juveniles are brownish above and buffy with strong streaking below.

Both adults measure about  5.9 - 6.7 inches in length, with a wingspan of 8.7 inches and 17 - 26 grams in weight.

Their song is a series of variable, slow whistles, ending in a trill.

Feeds mostly on insects and other invertebrates in the summer months. 

Seeds are also consumed and may make up a majority of the diet during the winter months.

Found in dry grasslands in the United States part of its range. 

In Mexico, they can also be found in arid scrublands and overgrazed rangeland.

The breeding range that extends into the southeastern tip of the U.S. state of Arizona, and a small non-migratory population in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas.

The nest is a cup of grasses, built on the ground, usually in the protection of a clump of grass or other vegetation.  The female lays 3 or 4 eggs.  Both parents help to raise the young after they hatch.

SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org
https://www.allaboutbirds.org
https://www.sdakotabirds.com