Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, we take pride in the symphony of birdsong that fills the crisp morning air. But with over 900 species calling Costa Rica home, it can be hard to identify the feathered performers in our orchestra. Today, we turn our binoculars to a visitor from afar, the Savannah Sparrow.

A Globe-Trotting Sparrow:

The Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) might surprise you. Unlike many of its Costa Rican neighbors, this little bird isn’t a permanent resident. Primarily a bird of North America, the Savannah Sparrow migrates south in the winter, with some individuals reaching the mountains of Costa Rica. This makes them a true treat for birders, a little piece of North America flitting through the Costa Rican highlands.

Spotting a Savannah Sparrow:

These sparrows are small, typically only about 5 inches long. Their plumage is a beautiful blend of brown and white. Their backs are a rich, streaky brown, while their undersides are a clean white with streaks of brown on the breast and flanks. Look for a diagnostic light stripe above their eye, sometimes with a hint of yellow near the beak.

Finding a Savannah Sparrow requires heading to open areas. Unlike the Song Sparrow, which prefers brushy edges, the Savannah Sparrow thrives in wide-open spaces. Meadows, pastures, and even some agricultural fields might be their stomping grounds. Here at the retreat, you might see them flitting along the edges of our clearings or perched atop a fence post, their sharp eyes scanning for seeds.

A Song of the North:

The Savannah Sparrow’s song is another excellent clue to its identity. It delivers a series of short, high-pitched notes, often described as a buzzing or trilling sound. While similar to some resident wren species, the Savannah Sparrow’s song lacks the complex melody of its Costa Rican counterparts.

A Winter Warbler:

While the Savannah Sparrow isn’t a permanent resident, its presence adds a touch of seasonal magic to our mountain retreat. From late fall to early spring, keep your eyes peeled for this little visitor. Spotting a Savannah Sparrow is a reminder of the incredible migratory journeys undertaken by birds, a testament to the interconnectedness of our natural world.

So, the next time you’re here at our Costa Rican retreat, take a moment to appreciate the symphony of birdsong. You might just be surprised by a little piece of North America flitting through the mountains, the Savannah Sparrow, a winter warbler bringing a touch of the far north to our Costa Rican paradise.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica