Passer hemileucus
The Abd al-Kuri Sparrow (Passer hemileucus) is a charmingly distinct and highly localized passerine, endemic to the remote Abd al-Kuri Island. This small sparrow, measuring approximately 13-14 cm in length, sports a pale, sandy-brown plumage over its back and wings, contrasting sharply with a pristine white belly and underparts. Its most distinctive field marks include a prominent white patch on the wing, a pale grey crown, and often darker lores and a malar stripe, giving it a somewhat 'mask...
This sparrow inhabits arid, rocky island terrain, coastal scrub, and dry wadis, often found in close proximity to human settlements. It occurs from sea level up to the island's highest elevations.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds from various grasses and shrubs found on the arid island. They supplement their diet with small insects, especially during the breeding season to provision their young.
Abd al-Kuri Sparrows are primarily diurnal, spending their days actively foraging. They are largely ground-feeders, often observed in small, loose flocks, meticulously gleaning seeds and insects from the sparse vegetation and rocky substrate. During the breeding season, pairs establish small terr...
The Abd al-Kuri Sparrow is entirely endemic to Abd al-Kuri Island, a small, arid island forming part of the Socotra Archipelago, Republic of Yemen. Its entire global distribution is confined to this single island, which measures approximately 13.3 kilometers in length and 4.1 kilometers in width,...
Vulnerable
- The Abd al-Kuri Sparrow is one of the world's most geographically restricted birds, found exclusively on a single island. - Its scientific name, 'hemileucus', translates to 'half white', referring to its prominent white wing patch. - The entire global population is estimated to be fewer than 1,...