The Dead Sea sparrow is a species of bird in the Old World sparrow family Passeridae, with one subspecies breeding in parts of the Middle East and another in western Afghanistan and eastern Iran. The eastern subspecies P. m. yatii is sometimes considered a separate species known as Yate's sparrow.
Region
Middle East and western Central Asia
Typical Environment
Found around the Dead Sea region (Jordan, Israel/Palestine) and along arid river systems and oases in Syria, Iraq, western to eastern Iran, and into western Afghanistan. It favors reedbeds, tamarisk thickets, and irrigated farmland adjacent to permanent or seasonal water. Populations are patchy, tracking wetlands, canals, and saline lake margins within deserts. It tolerates very hot, dry climates but typically stays within reach of cover and fresh water. Where suitable habitat exists, it can occur locally in loose colonies.
Altitude Range
Below sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, sandy-toned sparrow specialized for life in arid river valleys and oases, it relies on dense tamarisk and reedbeds near water. It has two subspecies, with the eastern P. m. yatii of eastern Iran and western Afghanistan sometimes treated as a separate species (Yate’s sparrow). Males show a distinctive black mask and throat and often a subtle yellow wash in breeding season. Local populations can fluctuate with water levels and vegetation changes.
Eggs
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms small flocks outside the breeding season and nests in loose colonies where dense shrubs or reeds provide cover. Nests are placed low to mid-height in tamarisk, reeds, or similar vegetation, built from grasses and lined with softer material. Clutches are typically small, and both parents share incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a series of soft, high-pitched chirps and twitters delivered from low perches within cover. Calls include thin, sibilant tseep notes and brief rattling sequences, often given in social contexts near the colony.
