First breeding record of grasshopper sparrow in northern Durango, Mexico

Abstract

During the breeding season the Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) is widely distributed over the plains of North America. Consisting of four subspecies its populations are classified as resident, migratory and partially migratory. In Mexico and Central America, distribution of the taxon is poorly known, especially those populations that are breeding. There is only one breeding record for the grasslands of northern Mexico in the State of Zacatecas back to the mid-1950’s. During the summer breeding season of 2017, we documented the presence of six Grasshopper Sparrows in the grassland of northern Durango. With the aid of song playback two birds actively responded to the broadcasted song. The birds performed territorial displays which facilitated our locating a nest with four nestlings. This is the first summer record for the State of Durango at Cuchillas de la Zarca, 80 km south of Parral, Chihuahua City, a Grasslands Priority Conservation Area of North America.