Prevost’s Ground Sparrow

Prevost's ground sparrow (Melozone biarcuata), also known as the white-faced ground sparrow, is an American sparrow. == Etymology == Its English name commemorates French naturalist Florent Prévost. == Distribution and habitat == This bird breeds at middle altitudes from southern Mexico to western Honduras. The Cabanis's ground sparrow was previously considered a subspecies. It is found typically at altitudes between 600 and 1600 m in the undergrowth and thickets of semi-open woodland, coffee plantations, hedgerows and large gardens. == Description == Prevost's ground sparrow is on average 15 cm long and weighs 28 g. The adult has a stubby dark-grey bill, unstreaked olive-brown upperparts, a rufous crown and mainly white underparts. Young birds are browner above, have yellower underparts, and a duller indistinct head pattern. It has a simple head pattern in which the rufous of the crown extends down the sides of the neck as a half collar behind the white face. == Behaviour == Usually found in pairs, the bird is a shy species best seen at or near dusk. They sometimes venture in the open in the early morning. === Breeding === The nest, built by the female, is a neat lined cup constructed less than 2…