Cape Sparrow
Passer melanurus
Farmlands and suburbia. Crown, face and upper breast black in male, grey in female; mantle grey; back, rump and wings chestnut with small white wing-bar.
Queleas, Sparrows, Weavers
LC
Near Endemic
Description
Very common, near-endemic resident. Black-and-white head and breast pattern of male distinctive; female told from female [House Sparrow] by richer coloration, greyer head and black bill. Immature resembles female. Normal call is ‘chirrup’ or ‘chissik’. Usually seen near human habitation. When not breeding, flocks occur on farmlands and in cattle kraals. Tame and confiding.
Quick Facts
Size
15 cm - S
Names
A: Gewone Mossie
Z: uNdlunkulu
Ss: Serobele-Hlohophatshwa
G: Kapsperling
Bird Family
A very large group of conical-billed, mainly seed-eating birds. Many breed colonially and weave complicated nests that aid identification.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
When not breeding, 'flocks' occur on farmlands and in cattle kraals.
