Birds
File:Melozone leucotis.jpg

White-eared Ground-Sparrow

White-eared Ground-Sparrow

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
This scientific name, *Melozone leucotis*, is largely considered a taxonomic synonym for *Oriturus superciliosus*, the White-eared Ground-Sparrow. If treated as distinct, it would represent a small, secretive ground-sparrow known for its prominent white cheek patch, contrasting with a dark head. It inhabits montane cloud forests.
Where to spot
The species commonly associated with this scientific name, the White-eared Ground-Sparrow (*Oriturus superciliosus*), is endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama. It favors dense undergrowth and bamboo thickets in humid montane and cloud forests.
How to spot
Listen for its loud, clear, whistled song. Observe patiently in dense forest undergrowth as it typically forages on the ground. The prominent white patch on its cheek, contrasting with a dark crown and black eye-stripe, is an unmistakable visual identifier for the White-eared Ground-Sparrow.
When to spot
Resident year-round. Most active and vocal during the early morning hours, especially at dawn, when its song can be heard echoing through the forest.
File:Melozone leucotis.jpg
File:Melozone leucotis Monteverde.jpg
File:Melozone leucotis.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Melozone leucotis Monteverde.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
While the scientific classification of *Melozone leucotis* is debated, the bird commonly known as the White-eared Ground-Sparrow is notable for its loud and distinct song, which helps locate it in dense forest.
Loading...

Spotted

No recently spotted birds

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

File:Atlapetes rufigenis Atlapetes latinuchus baroni.jpg
100

Rufous-eared Brushfinch

New World Sparrows
File:Pipilo maculatus 1.jpg
100

Spotted Towhee

New World Sparrows
File:Spizelloides arborea CT5.jpg
100

American Tree Sparrow

New World Sparrows
Song Sparrow
95

Song Sparrow

New World Sparrows
File:Pezopetes capitalis -Costa Rica-8.jpg
100

Large-footed Finch

New World Sparrows
100

Bridled Sparrow

New World Sparrows
File:Ammospiza caudacuta 27531185.jpg
100

Saltmarsh Sparrow

New World Sparrows
File:Golden-crowned Sparrow (3) - Zonotrichia atricapilla (20861747813).jpg
100

Golden-crowned Sparrow

New World Sparrows
File:Ammodramus savannarum 160849415.jpg
100

Grasshopper Sparrow

New World Sparrows
File:Atlapetes latinuchus Gorrión montés cabecirrufo Yellow-breasted Brush-Finch (8597340003).jpg
100

Yellow-breasted Brushfinch

New World Sparrows