Passer suahelicus
The Swahili Sparrow (Passer suahelicus) is a compact and often inconspicuous passerine, measuring approximately 14-16 cm in length with a weight typically ranging from 20 to 30 grams. Males feature a distinctive grey crown, a rich rufous nape, white cheeks, and a prominent black bib extending onto the breast, contrasting with a dusky brown, streaked back and pale underparts. Females are generally duller, exhibiting less defined markings, a streaky brown plumage overall, and a noticeable pale ...
The Swahili Sparrow predominantly inhabits dry savannas, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands. It is also common in cultivated areas, villages, and around human settlements, typically found from lowlands up to elevations of approximately 2,000 meters.
Primarily granivorous, the Swahili Sparrow consumes a wide variety of grass seeds and cultivated grains, supplemented by insects during the breeding season and for feeding nestlings. They forage mainly by gleaning from the ground or from low vegetation.
This diurnal sparrow is often observed foraging on the ground, probing for seeds and insects, but also gleans from vegetation. Swahili Sparrows are generally social birds, frequently seen in small flocks, which can occasionally merge into larger mixed-species foraging groups with other sparrow sp...
The Swahili Sparrow is a resident species endemic to East Africa, with its primary distribution encompassing southern Kenya, central and northern Tanzania, and extending westward into parts of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Its range generally follows the drier savannas and acacia woodlands, avoidi...
Least Concern
- The Swahili Sparrow is part of the 'rufous-backed sparrow' complex, a group of closely related species in Africa with similar plumage characteristics. - Despite its name, which evokes the coastal regions, its range extends significantly inland across East Africa. - It is highly adaptable, frequ...