Stripe-headed Sparrow

Peucaea ruficauda

eBird gives this description for the Stripe-headed Sparrow:  Fairly common and conspicuous sparrow of dry, scrubby woodlands and brushy fields in tropical lowlands and foothills. Usually in small groups, which keep in touch with squeaky chattering calls. Often seen perched on fences. Bold head pattern is distinctive, with big black mask, bold white eyebrow, and blackish crown. Southern populations have variable dusky mottling on the breast.

The Birds of the World website introduces the Stripe-headed Sparrow with this descriptive information:  The Stripe-headed Sparrow (Peucaea ruficauda) is a medium to large sparrow found in savannah, scrub, second growth and open areas of seasonally dry Pacific slope regions of Mesoamerica. The overall appearance of this bird is simultaneously drab and striking. The tan and buffy upper plumage is decorated with bold white and black head stripes and bright rufous shoulder patches, and in one subspecies, the white belly and lower breast contrast with an extensive rich grey breastband. Stripe-headed Sparrows are found in pairs or conspicuous family groups of 3 – 9 birds, and are known for their chattery group vocalizations. They are the only New World sparrow known to breed cooperatively.

I met, and photographed, my first Stripe-headed Sparrow on the afternoon of Saturday, February 11, 2023 in Costa Rica.  Our birding group with Tropical Birding Tours was making our way from Hotel Villa Lapas up to the Monteverde area when we spotted and watched this bird at one of the stops we made.