Skip to main content
Close

Olive Sparrow

Arremonops rufivirgatus

Photo by SusanEllison
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

26.2528, -98.1937

Field Notes

Description:

It is 14–15.5 centimetres (5.5–6.1 in) long, and is the only sparrow with an olive back. It has a prominent brown eye streak and a brown-striped crown, with a buffy breast, some white belly feathers, and a conical beak. The sexes are similar, while the juvenile is buffier with some streaking on the belly. The Olive Sparrow looks similar to the Green-tailed Towhee but is smaller and lacks a rusty cap.

The Olive Sparrow does not migrate, and is resident in thickets, chaparral, and undergrowth near forests, from sea level to 6,000 feet (1,800 m). Males sing unmusical chip notes similar to the Swamp Sparrow.

The nest is built two to five feet above ground, and is large, made of straws, twigs, bark, leaves, and stems. Two to five eggs are laid each season (March to September) and are white and unspotted.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon