Shelley's Rufous Sparrow
NameShelley's Rufous Sparrow
Common NameShelley's Rufous Sparrow
Scientific NamePasser shelleyi
FamilyPasseridae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey crown, a dark eye-stripe, and a broad rufous stripe extending from behind the eye to the nape. The back is rufous-brown with dark streaking, and the wings are rufous with two pale wing bars. Underparts are whitish to pale grey. Females are duller with less distinct head markings.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of typical sparrow-like chirps and chattering calls, often a series of 'chip' or 'chissip' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in East Africa, ranging from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia south through Uganda and Kenya to northern Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesGrey crown, Prominent rufous post-ocular stripe, Dark eye-stripe, Pale supercilium, Rufous-streaked back, Pale underparts
Description
This medium-sized sparrow is characterized by its distinctive head pattern, featuring a grey crown and a prominent rufous stripe behind the eye. It is typically found in dry savannas and acacia woodlands across East Africa, feeding primarily on seeds and insects.
