Swahili Sparrow
Passer suahelicus
A drab sparrow of East Africa, gray with brown wings and a bright rufous rump and shoulder. Generally common within its range in savanna, in cultivated areas, and around human habitation. Very similar to Northern Gray-headed Sparrow, but separated by darker underparts, less contrasting pale throat, and grayer back. Also very similar to Parrot-billed Sparrow, but slightly smaller and slimmer-billed with paler underparts. The call is a husky “churp” and the song a series of similar notes.
Identification
The Swahili sparrow (Passer suahelicus) is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It lives in the savanna of southern Kenya and Tanzania. Until recently, it was usually treated as a subspecies of the northern grey-headed sparrow (Passer griseus), with which it hybridizes in southern Tanzania and possibly elsewhere. It has a more rounded head profile however, a smaller eye and the grey head plumage extends unto the mantle. In addition to the subtle physical characteristics, the Swahili sparrow also differs from the northern grey-headed sparrow in terms of habitat preference, nest construction and post-breeding behaviour. They build grass nests in Acacia trees in dry regions, and generally avoid moister coastal lowlands or uplands. Following the breeding season they form nomadic flocks, and the bill colour will change from black to horn-coloured. They may nest in the proximity of northern grey-headed sparrow, but not on buildings, and may be found beside individuals of the latter species as they disperse onto farmland.
Taxonomy
Genus: Passer; Family: Passeridae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Passer suahelicus
- Authority
- Reichenow, 1904
- 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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