Northern Grey-headed Sparrow
NameNorthern Grey-headed Sparrow
Common NameNorthern Grey-headed Sparrow
Scientific NamePasser griseus
FamilyPasseridae
Wingspan (cm)23
Length (cm)15
Weight (g)25
Plumage DetailsThis sparrow has a grey crown and nape, contrasting with dark grey lores and a white patch on the cheeks and throat. Its back and wings are rufous-brown, featuring a prominent chestnut patch on the shoulder. The underparts are pale greyish-white, and the bill is dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of chirps and chattering notes, often described as a 'cheerup' or 'chissick' call, used for communication and territorial defense.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal and Mauritania in the west, east to Ethiopia, and south through much of central and southern Africa to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesGrey head and nape, Rufous-brown back and wings, Chestnut shoulder patch, White cheeks and throat patch, Pale greyish-white underparts, Dark bill
Description
The Northern Grey-headed Sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow characterized by its distinctive grey head and rufous-brown back. It is a common and adaptable species found across much of sub-Saharan Africa, often frequenting human-modified environments.
