Passer moabiticus
The Dead Sea Sparrow (Passer moabiticus) is a captivating passerine, measuring approximately 12-14 cm in length with a wingspan of about 20-22 cm and weighing between 14-22 grams. Males are striking, featuring a distinctive grey crown, a rich chestnut nape, clean white cheeks, and a prominent black bib that contrasts with their pale underparts. Their back is streaked brown, while the wings show subtle barring. Females are duller, lacking the vivid head markings, with a more muted, streaky bro...
Arid and semi-arid regions, typically found near water sources like rivers, oases, and salt marshes, often at low to moderate elevations (sea level up to around 1500 meters). It strongly associates with tamarisk trees and reed beds.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds from various grasses and herbaceous plants; during the breeding season, insects and their larvae become a significant dietary supplement for adults and nestlings. They forage mainly by gleaning from the ground or low vegetation.
Dead Sea Sparrows are highly gregarious birds, active during the day, often foraging and roosting in large, noisy flocks. They employ a ground-foraging strategy, hopping and pecking for seeds, occasionally gleaning insects from foliage or the ground, especially during the breeding season. During ...
The Dead Sea Sparrow has a relatively widespread but somewhat disjunct distribution across the Middle East and Central Asia. Its breeding range extends from southeastern Turkey, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran eastward through Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Dispersed...
Least Concern
- The Dead Sea Sparrow is one of the few bird species specifically named after a geographical landmark. - They are remarkably tolerant of saline environments, often found thriving in areas with brackish or salty water. - Unlike some sparrows that readily adapt to urban settings, this species larg...