Rufous-crowned sparrow

Aimophila ruficeps

The rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps) is a small American sparrow.

Family: Passerellidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern

About the Rufous-crowned sparrow

The rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps) is a small American sparrow. This passerine is primarily found across the Southwestern United States and much of the interior of Mexico, south to the transverse mountain range, and to the Pacific coast to the southwest of the transverse range. Its distribution is patchy, with populations often being isolated from each other. Twelve subspecies are generally recognized, though up to eighteen have been suggested. This bird has a brown back with darker streaks and gray underparts. The crown is rufous, and the face and supercilium are gray with a brown or rufous streak extending from each eye and a thick black malar streak. These sparrows feed primarily on seeds in the winter and insects in the spring and summer. The birds are often territorial, w

Fun Facts About Rufous-crowned sparrow

The birds are often territorial, with males guarding their territory through song and displays.
Although the species has been classified as least concern, or unthreatened with extinction, some subspecies are threatened by habitat destruction and one may be extinct.
Two to five eggs are laid in the bird's nest, which is cup-shaped and well hidden.

Conservation Status

The Rufous-crowned sparrow is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	passerines
Family	Passerellidae
Genus	Aimophila
Species	Aimophila ruficeps

Range & Habitat