Botteri's Sparrow
A species of Sparrow Scientific name : Peucaea botterii Genus : Sparrow
Botteri's Sparrow, A species of Sparrow
Botanical name: Peucaea botterii
Genus: Sparrow
Content
Description General Info
Description
Botteri's sparrow (Peucaea botterii) is a medium-sized sparrow. This passerine bird is primarily found in Mexico, with a 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, which is threatened by loss of habitat. It was not found in Arizona between the 1890s and the mid-20th century due to excessive grazing of livestock; now it is locally common in its Arizona range due to recovery of vegetation. Juvenile birds apparently need dense vegetation to hide in during fledging; the uncommon native sacaton grass Sporobolus wrightii is preferred, but stands of introduced non-native Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) and Boer lovegrass (E. curvula var. conferta) are also successfully utilized, though at lower population densities. The name of this species commemorates the ornithologist Matteo Botteri (1808–1877). 
Size
15 cm (6 in)
Life Expectancy
3 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
2 - 5 eggs
Feeding Habits
Botteri's Sparrow primarily consume insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, their larvae, butterflies, and caterpillars, particularly during breeding. They forage for these insects and plant seeds, mostly from grasses, on the ground within dense cover, employing both flushing and chasing tactics on foot and in flight.
Habitat
Botteri's Sparrow is commonly found in desert grasslands and semi-desert areas, thriving in regions with a mix of grasses and scattered shrubbery. They prefer environments that range from untouched to lightly grazed lands, at elevations up to 5,000 feet. The bird favors habitats with tall bunchgrasses like sacaton and vegetation including mesquite, ocotillo, and various desert willows. In coastal prairies, they inhabit pastures with cordgrass and shrubs, often nesting in desert wash flats and foraging on grassy hillsides.
Nest Behavior
Nest construction by botteri's Sparrow is likely a shared task between sexes, marked by a lowered side serving as a ramp or entrance.
Nest Characteristics
Botteri's Sparrow's nest is a ground-based cup located in a dense clump of grass, with an average size of 3.7 inches across, and a 2.7-inch-wide, 2.4-inch-deep interior. It features a ramped side for entry, with exterior construction of coarse grasses like sacaton, and a tightly woven interior of finer grasses.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Bird Feeder Type
Ground
Sounds
Call
Recording location: Mexico
Song
Recording location: Mexico
Behavior
Botteri's Sparrow exhibit distinct breeding behaviors, with males initiating the season by energetically singing from prominent perches, often in proximity to rivals. These sparrows engage in aerial courtship chases, whereby males perform a striking display of tail cocking, wing fluttering, and bill pointing upwards. Pairs can be seen foraging in unison prior to egg-laying, with females signaling receptiveness to mating with specific vocalizations and uncharacteristic perching. Both sexes contribute to incubation and rearing of the young, reflecting a well-coordinated approach to breeding and habitat interactions.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
New world sparrows Genus
Sparrow Species
Botteri's Sparrow 
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