Rufous Collared Sparrow

Copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Itatiaia, RJ, Brazil • November 2009

Bird name: Rufous Collared Sparrow
Latin: Zonotrichia capensis
Other: Tico-tico (Br) • Chingolo, Chincol, Cachilo, Copetón, Pichitanca (Es)
Family: Emberizidae • New World Sparrows
Range: South and Central America, Panama western highlands
Similar:

The Rufous-collared Sparrow is found throughout South and Central America, often near human habitation.

These birds in Itatiaia would feed at dawn on the great numbers of insects that collected around the hotel lights at night. With the aid of the geckos and a few other birds the whole compound was cleaned up by about 7.30!

Adults Rufous-collared Sparrows have a characteristic rufous collar, whereas juveniles lack this and have streaked underparts.

Seen frequently in Itatiaia, Ubatuba and Mostardas. In Panama, only seen in Chiriqui highlands in the west (lowest photo).

Below, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Brazil


Below, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Brazil


Below, adult Rufous-collared Sparrow taking a bath, Brazil


Below, juvenile Rufous-collared Sparrow, Brazil


Below, juvenile Rufous-collared Sparrow, Brazil


Below, juvenile Rufous-collared Sparrow, Brazil


Below, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Brazil


Below, juvenile Rufous-collared Sparrow, Brazil


Below, a Rufous-collared Sparrow from Chiriqui, Panama.