Cape Sparrow
Least ConcernPasser melanurus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Cape Sparrow is a small, stocky bird with a distinctive appearance. Males have black heads with striking white crescent markings that curve from the eye to the nape. Their backs are rich chestnut-coloured, while their underparts are pale grey to white.
Females show a similar pattern but are more subdued, with grey replacing the male's black areas and duller chestnut colouring. Both sexes have a horn-coloured bill that turns black during the breeding season and dark brown legs. Juveniles resemble females in appearance.
Size
Length
14cm to 16cm
Wingspan
22cm to 25cm
Weight
17g to 38g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Cape Sparrows are native to southern Africa and found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and parts of Zimbabwe. They thrive in a variety of open habitats, including grasslands, savannahs, and agricultural areas.
These birds have also adapted well to human-modified environments, frequently seen in urban parks, gardens, and farmyards. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, as they are non-migratory.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Cape Sparrow. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Quite agile, demonstrated by their ground-feeding behaviour with quick hopping movements and ability to manoeuvre through various habitats from urban spaces to grasslands. Their small size and ability to navigate both ground and tree environments shows good manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small passerine weighing only 17-38g, the Cape Sparrow has modest strength. Whilst capable of carrying nesting materials and defending territory, their physical power is limited compared to larger birds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable species, thriving in diverse environments from sea level to 3,000m elevation. Successfully colonised urban areas, can survive without regular water access, and maintains a varied diet of seeds and insects. Their ability to use both natural and human-made nesting sites further demonstrates their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Shows moderate aggression, particularly during breeding season when males become territorial and perform displays. However, their social nature and tendency to form flocks suggests they're not overly aggressive outside breeding periods.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Good endurance for their size, capable of sustained foraging activities and surviving in various climatic conditions. Their ability to thrive without regular water access and maintain year-round territories demonstrates decent stamina, though as small birds, they have natural limitations.
Diet
Cape Sparrows are primarily granivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds from grasses and weeds. They supplement their diet with insects, especially during the breeding season when protein-rich food is crucial for nestlings.
These adaptable birds also readily visit bird feeders in urban and suburban areas.
Behaviour
Cape Sparrows are social birds, often seen in small flocks or pairs. They are ground feeders, hopping and scratching for seeds and insects.
During the breeding season, males become territorial and perform elaborate courtship displays, puffing up their feathers and chirping loudly to attract females.
Vocalisation
Cape Sparrows have a variety of vocalisations, with their most common call being a cheerful, chirping 'cheep-cheep' or 'chirrup'.
During courtship, males produce a more complex, warbling song. When alarmed, they emit a sharp, high-pitched 'chink' sound.
Nesting & Breeding
Cape Sparrows breed throughout the year, with peak activity during the rainy season. Males construct nests to attract females, often in tree cavities, buildings, or dense bushes.
The nest is a large, untidy structure made of grass, twigs, and other plant material, lined with softer materials like feathers. Females typically lay 3-5 eggs, which are pale blue or greenish-white with brown speckles.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 12-14 days. After hatching, nestlings are fed by both parents and fledge after approximately 14-16 days.
Lifespan
The Cape Sparrow typically lives for 1 to 2 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Cape Sparrow is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its adaptability to human-modified environments has allowed it to maintain stable populations across its range. However, like many bird species, it faces challenges from habitat loss and climate change.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Cape Sparrows in open habitats near human settlements
- Listen for their cheerful chirping, especially in the early morning
- Observe feeders or areas with scattered seeds to spot these ground-feeding birds
- Watch for their distinctive black and white head pattern (in males) for easy identification
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Mossie
Family:
PasseridaePredators
Cape Sparrows face predation from various birds of prey, including sparrowhawks and falcons. Domestic cats, snakes, and small mammals also pose threats, especially to eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Cape Sparrows can survive without drinking water for long periods by obtaining moisture from their food.
- They often reuse old nests, either their own or those of other bird species.
- In some areas, Cape Sparrows form mixed flocks with closely related Southern Grey-headed Sparrows.
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References
- 2 4
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Passer melanurus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22718225A263949186.
View source - 3
report, 1999: Clement
- 1
journalArticle, 1978: Dean, W. R. J. LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE CAPE SPARROW. Ostrich, 49(1), 16–20.
View source