Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris

The widespread Orange-billed Sparrow is a resident of humid tropical forests from Oaxaca, Mexico south to northern Peru, at elevations from near sea level up to at least 1200 m. This medium sized finch is found in undergrowth habitats within primary and secondary forests, but occasionally ventures out onto paths or the edges of clearings. Both sexes are similar. All populations have a characteristic bright orange bill and black head with contrasting white supercilium and gray median crown stripe. The white throat contrasts heavily with head and broad black band across upper breast. The rest of underparts are grayish white, except for brownish gray to olive green flanks and undertail coverts. The upperparts are generally olive green, the wings and tail are darker, and the bend of the wing ("wrist") is yellow. The sparrow’s plumage pattern is similar to that of some species of brush-finch, but the striking orange bill allows identification of even briefly glimpsed individuals. Eight subspecies of Arremon aurantiirostris currently are recognized, based primarily on subtle differences in plumage coloration and size. Orange-billed Sparrow usually is encountered in pairs or small family groups, foraging in the leaf litter or in low shrubs, and appears to occupy year-round territories of approximately one hectare or more. The song is generally high-pitched but is quite variable geographically.