A medium-sized sparrow-like ground-dwelling bird native to eastern North America, characterized by distinctive black and rufous plumage with white underparts.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Diverse woodland edges, brushy areas, forest understories, and shrubby habitats ranging from southeastern Canada to central Florida and west to the Great Plains
Ecological Role
Plays crucial role in seed dispersal, insect population control, and serving as prey for predatory bird species
Morphology
SKIN COATMales predominantly black with rufous sides, females dark brown with rufous sides, white belly and undertail coverts
LIMBS WINGSStrong legs for ground hopping, rounded wings suitable for short-distance flight, dark colored with white wing patches
HEAD SENSORYLarge dark eyes with reddish-brown iris, short conical beak adapted for seed cracking and insect foraging
BODY STRUCTURERobust, compact passerine bird measuring 17-22 cm in length, weighing approximately 32-52 grams
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Paul Danese
