Great sparrow

The great sparrow, also known as the southern rufous sparrow, is found in southern Africa in dry, wooded savannah and towns.

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Distribution

Region

Southern Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily across dry, open habitats including acacia savannah, thorn scrub, and semi-arid farmland. Common around settlements, ranches, and small towns where it forages on the ground and uses buildings or trees for nesting. Avoids dense forest and extensive wetlands but uses riparian trees in otherwise arid landscapes. Frequently associates with livestock areas and grain storage sites.

Altitude Range

0–1800 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size15–17 cm

Wing Span22–25 cm

Male Weight0.03 kg

Female Weight0.028 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the southern rufous sparrow, it favors dry savannahs and thornveld and readily uses human settlements for food and nesting. It is often confused with the House Sparrow but is warmer rufous above and more uniformly colored. Pairs are typically monogamous and nest in cavities or thatch.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in small groups or loose flocks outside the breeding season. Forms monogamous pairs that nest in cavities, old weaver nests, or thatched structures, often near humans. Nests are bulky and lined with softer material; both parents feed the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A simple series of chirps and cheeps delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp tink and chattering notes, with more insistent chips during territorial or alarm situations.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish-brown

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Warm rufous-brown upperparts with subtle darker streaking and pale buff underparts; texture smooth and sleek. The head is fairly plain with a soft pale eyebrow and a stout, conical bill. Wings show pale edging forming a subdued wingbar. Sexes are similar, with males slightly richer rufous above.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Feeds mainly on grass and weed seeds, supplemented by grains near farms and towns. Insects and other small invertebrates are taken, especially during the breeding season to feed nestlings. Will pick at food scraps around human habitation and forage under shrubs for fallen seeds.

Preferred Environment

Forages mostly on the ground in open, sparsely vegetated areas, along tracks, and around livestock pens. Frequently feeds near buildings, grain stores, and garden edges where seeds are abundant.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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