Zarudny's sparrow, also known as the Asian desert sparrow, is a species of bird in the sparrow family Passeridae, which occurs in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and formerly in Iran. This species has historically been classified as a subspecies of the desert sparrow, which is otherwise restricted to Africa. However, the species has a number of differences with the African species, including very similar plumage in adult males and females, which suggests this species is distinct enough to be considered separate, and possibly not most closely related to the African birds. Consequently, Zarudny's sparrow is treated as a separate species by BirdLife International, the IOC World Bird List, and the Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive.
Region
Central Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid and semi-arid deserts of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, with historical records from northeastern Iran. It inhabits sandy and gravel deserts dotted with saxaul and tamarisk shrubs, as well as vegetated dunes, wadis, and margins of oases. The species often stays near scattered water sources and low scrub, sometimes approaching small settlements. It avoids dense woodland and high mountains, favoring open, sparsely vegetated terrain.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Zarudny's sparrow, also called the Asian desert sparrow, is a small passerine adapted to the deserts of Central Asia. Long treated as a subspecies of the African desert sparrow, it is now widely recognized as a distinct species with notably similar plumage between males and females. It favors sparse saxaul and tamarisk scrub near oases and settlements, where it forages on seeds and seasonal insects.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over scrub
Social Behavior
Often found in small loose groups, sometimes near water sources or scattered shrubs. Nests are placed in low shrubs or within cavities and dense clumps, lined with fine plant material and feathers. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and defend small nesting areas while foraging communally nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of soft chirps and short trills delivered from low perches in shrubs. Calls are high-pitched contact notes used to maintain group cohesion in open terrain.
