The Iago sparrow, also known as the Cape Verde or rufous-backed sparrow, is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It is endemic to the Cape Verde archipelago, in the eastern Atlantic Ocean near western Africa. Females and young birds have brown plumage with black marks above, and a dull grey underside, and are distinguished from other species of sparrow by their large, distinct supercilium. Males have a brighter underside and bold black and chestnut stripes on their head. At 12.5–13 centimetres (4.9–5.1 in) long, it is a smaller sparrow. This bird's vocalisations are mostly variations on its chirp, which differ somewhat between males and females.
Region
Cape Verde Archipelago (Macaronesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs across most islands of Cape Verde in dry scrub, rocky slopes, lava fields, and cultivated areas near villages. It frequents open habitats with scattered shrubs, stone walls, and human structures for nesting crevices. Around settlements it is common in gardens, courtyards, and grain stores. During the breeding season it seeks areas with water and seed availability, and shifts to more insect-rich patches when feeding young.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named after São Iago (Santiago) Island, the Iago sparrow is found only in the Cape Verde archipelago. Males show striking chestnut and black head striping, while females and juveniles have a bold pale supercilium that makes them easy to separate from other sparrows. It readily associates with people around villages and farms, taking advantage of scattered grain and water sources. Vocalizations are simple chirps and short trills that vary subtly between sexes.
Illustration of a male by John Gould
A male on Monte Verde, São Vicente
A female foraging, on Sal
Cape Verde Sparrow near Santa Maria, Sal
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often in small flocks outside the breeding season, frequently around human habitation. Pairs nest in cavities, rock crevices, buildings, and sometimes dense shrubs, constructing domed or cup-like nests of dry grass lined with softer materials. Breeding may occur opportunistically when rains increase food availability. Territoriality is moderate, with males defending the immediate nest area.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear chirps and short, buzzy trills, generally simple and repeated. Male songs are slightly louder and more varied; contact calls are softer chips used within small groups.
Plumage
Compact sparrow with warm rufous tones on the mantle and back, and finely streaked brown upperparts. Males show bold black and chestnut head stripes with a cleaner, brighter underside; females and juveniles are browner with a dull greyish underside and heavy streaking above. Texture is typical sparrow with neat, tight contour feathers and lightly streaked upperparts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grass and weed seeds, grains, and small fruits. Takes insects and other arthropods, especially during the breeding season to provide protein for nestlings. Around villages it readily consumes spilled grain and food scraps. Forages mostly on the ground but will glean from low shrubs and walls.
Preferred Environment
Open, sparsely vegetated ground, farm plots, threshing areas, courtyards, and rocky scrub. Often concentrates near water sources and food-rich patches created by human activity. Utilizes stone walls and building edges both for foraging and as lookout perches.
