Passer cordofanicus
The Kordofan Sparrow (*Passer cordofanicus*) is a distinctive and robust member of the Old World Sparrow family, typically measuring 12-13 cm in length. Males are particularly striking with a rich chestnut-brown crown and nape, sharply contrasted by grey supercilia and ear-coverts, making them quite identifiable in the field. A prominent black bib extends from the chin to the upper breast, set against pale greyish-white underparts, while the back is streaked black and rufous-brown with dark b...
Found primarily in arid and semi-arid savannas, acacia woodlands, and cultivated areas, often near human settlements. Typically occurs at low elevations.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming seeds of grasses and weeds, and a significant amount of insects, especially when feeding young. Also consumes some cultivated grains.
The Kordofan Sparrow is a diurnal species, often observed foraging on the ground in small to medium-sized groups, which may expand into mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Its foraging strategy involves gleaning seeds and insects directly from the ground or from low-lying vegetation...
The Kordofan Sparrow has a relatively restricted geographic distribution across north-central Africa, where it is a resident species. Its primary range encompasses specific regions within Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, and extends into the northern reaches of the Central African Republic. This distrib...
Least Concern
- The Kordofan Sparrow is part of a 'rufous-backed sparrow' superspecies complex, closely related to the Kenya and Rufous-backed Sparrows, reflecting shared ancestry. - Its scientific name, *cordofanicus*, is derived from Kordofan, a historical region in central Sudan where the species was first ...