The Botteri's Sparrow (Aimophila botterii) is a fairly plain bird in appearance, but it has a wonderful, lively song. The species occurs in the United States in far south Texas (texana race) and parts of southern Arizona (arizonae race). There are at least two other subspecies in Mexico. In Texas, the species can most easily be found at Laguna Atascosa N.W.R. and along Hwy 186 between Raymondville and Port Mansfield, however, it is known to be fairly common on some private ranch lands in this area as well. It is best detected by its song. The species is very similar in appearance to Cassin's Sparrow (Aimophila cassinii) which can be common in the same range and habitat. Botteri's Sparrows are warmer brown below than Cassin's Sparrows and lack the fine white tips on the tail feathers displayed by Cassin's. The Botteri's Sparrow images shown here were taken in June, 2000, on a private ranch in Kenedy Co., Texas with a Canon EOS 3 and Canon EF600mm F4 lens with a 1.4X extender and a 25mm extension tube from a Gitzo tripod on Fuji Velvia pushed one stop. At the bottom will be a shot of typical Botteri's Sparrow habitat in south Texas.