Passer cinnamomeus
The Russet Sparrow (*Passer cinnamomeus*) is a charming and widespread Old World sparrow, often captivating birders with its striking sexual dimorphism. Males boast a vibrant rufous (cinnamon) crown, nape, and mantle, contrasting with a clean grey underside and a prominent white patch on the side of the neck, accented by a distinct black bib extending from the chin. They typically measure around 14-15 cm in length and weigh 18-22 grams. Females, in stark contrast, are much duller, featuring s...
Found primarily in temperate broadleaf and coniferous forests, often near human habitation, agricultural lands, and gardens, particularly in mountainous and hilly regions at elevations ranging from sea level up to 4,500 meters.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on a wide array of seeds, grains, and buds, supplemented with insects and other invertebrates, especially when feeding young.
Russet Sparrows are diurnal, highly active birds that forage extensively during the day, often joining mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. They are primarily ground gleaners, deftly hopping and scratching to find food, but will also forage in shrubs and trees. Males establish and de...
The Russet Sparrow boasts an expansive distribution across Asia, primarily breeding throughout the Himalayas, from Pakistan eastward through northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and into China. Its range extends across central and southern China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, and further south into norther...
Least Concern
- The Russet Sparrow is one of the highest-dwelling sparrow species, regularly found at elevations over 4,000 meters in the Himalayas. - Unlike many of its close relatives, it often shows a preference for forested habitats over strictly urban environments in some parts of its range. - The strikin...