The saxaul sparrow is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in parts of Central Asia. At 14–16 centimetres (5.5–6.3 in) and 25–32 grams (0.88–1.13 oz), it is among the larger sparrows. Both sexes have plumage ranging from dull grey to sandy brown, and pale brown legs. Females have less boldly coloured plumage and bills, lacking the pattern of black stripes on the male's head. The head markings of both sexes make the saxaul sparrow distinctive, and unlikely to be confused with any other bird. Vocalisations include a comparatively soft and musical chirping call, a song, and a flight call.
Region
Central Asia
Typical Environment
Found across arid regions of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and western China (Xinjiang), especially where saxaul and tamarisk shrublands occur. It favors desert plains with scattered shrubs, stabilized dunes, and dry riverbeds with woody vegetation. The species often concentrates around oases, wells, and irrigated edges where shrubs grow taller. It may enter villages and farmsteads at desert margins, especially in winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The saxaul sparrow is closely tied to desert shrublands dominated by saxaul (Haloxylon), where it often nests in natural cavities of the woody shrubs. It is notably larger than many other sparrows and has distinctive head striping in males. Its calls are softer and more musical than those of the house sparrow. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small flocks around oases, wells, and scattered settlements.
An illustration of a pair by Henry Eeles Dresser
Male in Mongolia
Diagrams of the plumage of breeding males of the subspecies ammodendri (left) and stoliczkae (right)
Four eggs collected by Nikolai Zarudny in Transcaspia
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs during breeding, forming small groups or loose colonies when nesting in clusters of saxaul shrubs. Nests are placed in natural cavities, cracks, or dense forks of woody shrubs, occasionally in human-made structures. Pairs are typically monogamous for the season, and both sexes help feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, musical series of chirps and trills, less harsh than that of the house sparrow. Calls include a mellow, repetitive chip and a thin flight note given during short commuting flights.
