The Arabian golden sparrow is a sparrow found in south west Arabia and also the coast of Somalia and Djibouti where it occurs in thorn savannah and scrub habitats. It is sometimes considered as a subspecies of the Sudan golden sparrow.
Region
Southern Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa coast
Typical Environment
Occurs in southwestern Arabia (notably Yemen) and across the Gulf of Aden along the coasts of Somalia and Djibouti. It favors thorn savannah, acacia-Commiphora scrub, semi-arid coastal plains, and wadis with scattered trees. Birds are frequently seen near villages, irrigated fields, and water points where grasses and weeds seed. Outside the breeding season it may gather in sizable flocks that roam locally in search of food. Proximity to sparse cover and seeding grasses is a consistent habitat feature.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Arabian golden sparrow is a small, bright-yellow Passer sparrow native to southwest Arabia and the adjacent Horn of Africa coast. It often forms large, noisy flocks and breeds colonially in thorn scrub, weaving ball-shaped nests in acacias. It has been treated by some authorities as conspecific with the Sudan golden sparrow, but most now recognize it as a distinct species. After rains it can become locally nomadic, tracking seeding grasses.
An illustration of an Arabian golden sparrow (above) and a yellow-throated petronia (below) by Henrik Grönvold
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious, forming flocks that feed and roost together. Breeds colonially in thorn trees, often several nests in one tree. Nests are compact, ball-like structures of grasses with a side entrance. Pairs are monogamous within a season and may raise multiple broods when conditions are favorable.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a lively chorus of high-pitched chirps, twitters, and chattering notes. Flocks keep up near-constant contact calls, becoming especially noisy around nesting sites.
