Here at our Costa Rican retreat, nestled amidst the emerald embrace of the mountains, the symphony of the rainforest surrounds you. From the raucous calls of toucans to the melodic whistles of wrens, there’s always a feathered friend serenading you. Today, we turn our binoculars to a resident songster, the aptly named Black-striped Sparrow.
A Distinctive Beauty
The Black-striped Sparrow (Arremonops conirostris) is a chunky bird, roughly 6.5 inches long. Its most striking feature is its namesake – bold black stripes. These stripes run down the sides of its grey head, with a narrower stripe passing through each eye. The upper parts of the Black-striped Sparrow are a beautiful olive green, while the underparts are a dull white, shading to a subtle grey on the breast and olive on the lower belly. A flash of yellow adds a touch of vibrancy on the bend of the wing.
A Terrestrial Treat
Unlike some of its sparrow cousins that favor the open sky, the Black-striped Sparrow is a mainly terrestrial bird. You’re more likely to spot it flitting through the undergrowth than soaring overhead. It frequents humid lowlands and foothills, right here in the mountain ranges you see from our retreat, up to an elevation of 1500 meters. So, keep an eye out for it foraging for insects and seeds amongst the dense foliage, thickets, young second growth, overgrown fields, shady plantations, and even gardens.
A Melodious Masterpiece
The Black-striped Sparrow isn’t just visually interesting; it’s also a gifted vocalist. Listen for its loud, sweet calls and accelerating song, a delightful addition to the Costa Rican soundscape.
Family Matters
The Black-striped Sparrow is a social butterfly, often found in pairs or even small groups. Nest building is a female’s domain. She constructs a large, domed nest using coarse plant material and incorporates a wide side entrance. This remarkable structure is usually placed less than a meter above the ground in dense vegetation, but can be as high as 1.8 meters. The clutch typically consists of two, rarely three, unmarked white eggs, which are incubated by the female for 12-14 days before hatching.
A Common Sight, A Conservation Success Story
The Black-striped Sparrow is a widespread and relatively common resident of Central and South America, ranging from eastern Honduras to western Ecuador, northern Brazil, and Venezuela. Thankfully, its population is considered stable, earning it a well-deserved classification of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Spotting the Black-striped Sparrow at our Retreat
So, the next time you’re enjoying the tranquility of our mountain retreat, keep an ear out for the sweet melodies and a watchful eye for the flashes of black and olive amongst the undergrowth. With a little patience, you might just be rewarded with a sighting of this delightful Black-striped Sparrow.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
