Passer iagoensis
The Iago Sparrow (Passer iagoensis) is a captivating passerine endemic to the arid volcanic islands of the Cape Verde archipelago. Measuring a compact 12.5-13 cm (approx. 5 inches) in length, this species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism. Males are distinguished by a rich chestnut crown and nape, prominent black lores, chin, and throat, contrasting sharply with pure white cheek patches and grey underparts. Their backs are streaked brown, adorned with two conspicuous white wing bars. Female...
This sparrow primarily inhabits arid, rocky volcanic landscapes, including scrubland, coastal cliffs, and areas of human cultivation and settlement, from sea level up to moderate elevations.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds from grasses and other arid-adapted plants, supplemented significantly by insects, especially during the breeding season; they also readily scavenge human food scraps.
Iago Sparrows are highly social birds, often observed foraging and roosting in loose flocks outside the breeding season. They are diurnal, spending their days actively gleaning seeds and insects from the ground and low vegetation. During the breeding season, they become more territorial, forming ...
The Iago Sparrow is exclusively resident across the entire Cape Verde archipelago, an island nation in the central Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. It breeds and resides year-round on all the major islands, including Santo Antão, São Vicente, Santa Luzia, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, ...
Least Concern
- The Iago Sparrow is entirely endemic to the Cape Verde Islands, found nowhere else in the world. - Despite their small size, they are remarkably bold and show little fear of humans, a trait often observed in island species due to a lack of traditional predators. - Unlike many sparrow species, t...