Large-footed Finch

Pezopetes capitalis

New World Sparrows · Passeriformes · Rare

The Large-footed Finch (Pezopetes capitalis) is a rare new world sparrow found in 2 countries, weighing about 56 g. The large-footed finch is a species of bird that despite its name is in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows.

Least ConcernRareEats omnivoreforestcup nest56 g

About the Large-footed Finch

The large-footed finch is a species of bird that despite its name is in the family Passerellidae, the New World sparrows. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

How to identify it

The large-footed finch is one of the heaviest in its diverse family. It is 17 to 20 cm (6.7 to 7.9 in) long and weighs about 56 g (2.0 oz). It has a long tail and very large legs and feet but a disproportionately small slender bill. The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a black crown and a dark gray supercilium. Their face from the bill to just past the eye and down through the throat is black and the rest of their face and their nape are dark gray. Their upperparts and wing coverts are olive green. Their tail is blackish with thin olive green feather edges. Voice: The large-footed finch's song is described as "a languid medley of sweet whistles and chirps" likened to that of some wrens. Another description compares the song to that of the orange-billed nightingale-thrush (Catharus aurantiirostris), writing it as "short, rich, throaty whistles" and "rattles, trills and imitations of other birds". The species' call is "a high, soft psee or seet".

Where it lives

When to see it

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.

Easily confused with

Quick questions

How do you identify a Large-footed Finch?
The large-footed finch is one of the heaviest in its diverse family. Full identification notes are on this page.
How big is a Large-footed Finch?
The Large-footed Finch is a small sized bird weighing about 56 g.
Where can you see a Large-footed Finch?
The Large-footed Finch occurs in 2 countries, including Costa Rica and Panama.
What birds look similar to a Large-footed Finch?
The Large-footed Finch is most easily confused with the Pectoral Sparrow, the White-throated Towhee and the Baird's Sparrow.
Is the Large-footed Finch endangered?
The Large-footed Finch is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Learn the Large-footed Finch for real

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