Identification
A typical sparrow with a striped back, a gray crown and nape, and a dark bib. The rufous rump is conspicuous in flight. The sexes are similar, though males have a bolder black bib and more rufous on the face. Both sexes have a pale eye. Generally common in savanna, in cultivated areas, and around human habitation. Very similar to Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow, but not known to overlap in range, and separated by the pale eye. The call is a cheerful “chirp”, similar to that of other sparrows.