House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Malay name: Pipit Ubun Kelabu · Chinese name: 家麻雀

Family: Snowfinches and Old World Sparrows · Status: Very rare introduced resident · Size: 15 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Native to North Africa, Europe, the Middle East, temperate Asia, and Indochina. Introduced to many parts of the world.

Identification

Male has grey crown, white head-sides contrasting with black mask, lores, chin, throat and upperbreast, broad chestnut band from eye to nape, pale grey underparts and dull chestnut mantle with pale prown and black streaks. Female lacks the grey crown and contrasting black facial markings, has brown crown, with paler supercilium and underparts. Separated from Eurasian Tree Sparrow by grey crown and extensive black bib in place of that species' chestnut cap and discrete dark cheek patch; male also lacks Eurasian Tree Sparrow's white collar.

Habitat

Urban areas, markets, and villages; closely tied to human habitation.

Behaviour

Forages mainly on the ground for seeds and scraps; roosts communally in buildings.