The Swahili sparrow is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It lives in the savanna of southern Kenya and Tanzania. Until recently, it was usually treated as a subspecies of the northern grey-headed sparrow, with which it hybridizes in southern Tanzania and possibly elsewhere. It has a more rounded head profile however, a smaller eye and the grey head plumage extends unto the mantle.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in southern Kenya and much of Tanzania, especially in open savanna, Acacia woodland, and lightly cultivated or pastoral areas. It is common around rural settlements and edges of cropland, where seed availability is high. The species tolerates scattered trees and bushes and often forages on the ground near roads and tracks. Hybrid zones with northern grey-headed sparrow occur in southern Tanzania.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Swahili sparrow is part of the grey-headed sparrow complex and was formerly treated as a subspecies of the northern grey-headed sparrow. It hybridizes with northern grey-headed sparrows in southern Tanzania, but typically shows a rounder head, smaller eye, and grey that extends onto the mantle. It readily occupies human-modified landscapes, often feeding around villages and fields. Like many sparrows, it switches to more insects during the breeding season to feed growing chicks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small flocks or loose groups, especially outside the breeding season. Nests are placed in tree cavities, building crevices, or old nests, and pairs are generally monogamous. Often associates with other granivorous birds at feeding sites near villages and fields.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear chirps and chatters, delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chip notes and buzzing trills during interactions and at nest sites.
Plumage
Smooth grey head with grey extending onto the upper mantle; warm brown back with rufous-toned wings and a distinct pale wingbar; underparts pale grayish to whitish.
Diet
Feeds primarily on grass seeds and grains, supplementing with small insects and other invertebrates, particularly in the breeding season. Will take fallen grain around threshing areas and farmyards. Young are fed a higher proportion of insects for protein. Occasionally consumes small buds or fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground in open savanna, along tracks, in village compounds, and at field edges. Uses low shrubs and fences as lookout perches before dropping to the ground to feed.
