The Cape sparrow, or mossie, is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae found in southern Africa. A medium-sized sparrow at 14–16 centimetres (5.5–6.3 in), it has distinctive plumage, including large pale head stripes in both sexes. Its plumage is mostly grey, brown, and chestnut, and the male has some bold black and white markings on its head and neck. The species inhabits semi-arid savannah, cultivated areas, and towns, and ranges from the central coast of Angola to eastern South Africa and Eswatini. Three subspecies are distinguished in different parts of its range.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal Angola and Namibia through Botswana and much of South Africa to Lesotho and Eswatini. It favors semi-arid savanna, karoo scrub, thornveld, agricultural lands, and urban areas. It is scarce in dense forests and true desert but uses riparian corridors and settlements within drier zones. The species thrives in human-dominated landscapes and is common around water points and farmsteads.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known locally as the mossie, the Cape sparrow is a familiar bird around farms, villages, and towns across southern Africa. Males show striking black-and-white facial patterns with a chestnut nape, while females have bolder pale head stripes but lack the solid black mask. They readily exploit human-altered landscapes and may nest in thorny shrubs, cavities, or building eaves. During breeding, they switch to a more insect-rich diet to feed nestlings.
Male at Mountain Zebra National Park
Females drinking at a waterhole in Namibia
Cape sparrows and a southern masked weaver at a bird feeder in Johannesburg during the winter
Male Cape sparrow carrying food to feed young
A pair in Johannesburg
A male feeding a fledgeling
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season and readily associates with other sparrows around food sources. Pairs are typically monogamous and may raise multiple broods in a season. Nests are bulky and domed, placed in thorny shrubs, tree forks, cavities, or on building structures.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of sharp chirps and chattering notes, delivered from perches or while foraging. Males give more insistent, repetitive calls during territory advertisement and courtship.
Plumage
Crisp, contrasting head pattern with broad pale stripes; body is grey-brown with warm chestnut tones on the nape and wings. Males have a bold black face and throat with a white supercilium and neck patch, females are duller with strong pale head stripes and less black. Underparts are greyish with subtle streaking, and the back shows brown with darker streaks.
Diet
Primarily consumes grass seeds, grain, and buds, supplemented with insects such as beetles and caterpillars, especially when feeding young. It forages on the ground, in low shrubs, and around livestock enclosures. In towns and farms it readily takes spilt grain and visits bird feeders.
Preferred Environment
Open scrub and savanna edges, farmlands, and settlement areas where seeds are abundant. Often concentrates around water sources, granaries, and animal pens.
