Parrot-billed Sparrow
Passer gongonensis
A drab sparrow of northeastern Africa. The head and underparts are gray, the wing and back are brown, and the rump is rufous. Found in dry thorn savanna and woodland, sometimes around human habitation. Very similar to Swainson's Sparrow and Northern Gray-headed Sparrow, but slightly larger and heavier-billed, with darker underparts. The calls include squealing notes and a low “churp.”
Identification
The parrot-billed sparrow (Passer gongonensis) is found in the arid lowlands of eastern Africa. At 18 centimetres (7.1 in) and 42 grams (1.5 oz), it is the largest of the sparrows of the family Passeridae. It is often considered a subspecies of the grey-headed sparrow.
Taxonomy
Genus: Passer; Family: Passeridae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Passer gongonensis
- Authority
- (Oustalet, 1890)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Passeridae
- Genus
- Passer
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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