Sierra Madre Sparrow Xenospiza baileyi

Ranked as globally Endangered by BirdLife International due to its shrinking range and declining available habitat, Sierra Madre Sparrow is a resident endemic to two areas in central and northwestern Mexico. Sierra Madre Sparrow is superficially similar to the much more common and widespread Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia); Sierra Madre Sparrow currently is classified in a monotypic genus, but recent phylogenetic evidence indicates that it is closely related to Melospiza as well. This species is among the least known of all bird species in south central Mexico. Sierra Madre Sparrow typically occupies subalpine bunchgrass meadows at 2300-3050 meters. The decline of Sierra Madre Sparrow is largely due to conversion of habitat to row crops, livestock grazing, as well as unsustainable fire management, urbanization and fragmentation.