White-eared Ground-Sparrow Melozone leucotis

Strikingly patterned large sparrow, found locally in foothills and highlands of Chiapas and Central America. Favors tropical and subtropical forests, shade-coffee plantations, and brushy edges. Typically on or near the ground in shady understory, where quite timid; often in pairs. Striking head pattern is unlike other species in the region, with big white face spots and yellow neck patch. Populations from Nicaragua south have more black on face and breast.