Chestnut Sparrow
NameChestnut Sparrow
Common NameChestnut Sparrow
Scientific NamePasser eminibey
FamilyPasseridae
Wingspan (cm)18
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsMales are almost entirely a rich, deep chestnut-brown, with a contrasting blackish-brown face, crown, and throat. The wings show some paler buffy-brown streaking on the coverts. Females are duller, sandy-brown with streaked underparts.
Vocalization / CallEmits typical sparrow-like chirps, chattering calls, and a buzzing 'chizz-chizz' sound.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in East Africa, ranging from Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia south through Uganda, Kenya, and into northern Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesMale's uniform rich chestnut plumage, Black face mask and crown (male), Small, stocky build, Conical bill
Description
This small, stocky sparrow is notable for the male's striking uniform chestnut plumage and black face mask. They are social birds, often found foraging for seeds and insects in dry savannas and acacia woodlands across East Africa.
