Page 380 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

SPARROWS
Order Passeriformes Family Passeridae Species Petronia petronia
Rock Sparrow big pale bill
bold cream and
blackish stripes
on head
thin white
wingbars
dull brown
body with
dark streaks
whitish
underside with
pale pale long, even,
spots crown brown tail, tipped grey stripes
on tail with whitish
spots
IN FLIGHT
sandy buff
streaks on
back
pale
wingbar

ock Sparrows need broken ground with cavities in which
Rto nest.This requirement may be met by cliffs and gorges
in mountains, lower slopes with scattered rocks, farmed land with
earth cliffs, road cuttings, old buildings, or hollow poles which
provide nesting places.The birds are best located by following up FLIGHT: low, quick, whirring, undulating over a
their distinctive nasal calls but can be elusive as they remain distance; tail often fanned.
perched on rocky ledges, inconspicuous DRINKING POOL
with their dull, pale colours and lack of A small pool in a dry region is
any strong pattern. usually a good place to sit in wait
VOICE Distinctive twangy, nasal, oft- for Rock Sparrows and other birds
repeated note, tyeoo, tee-vit, or peoo. that come to drink.
NESTING Domed nest of grass and
feathers in cavity in old building,
hollow post, and earth bank, or in crag,
often loosely colonial; 5 or 6 eggs; 2 or
3 broods; May–July.
FEEDING Finds seeds and invertebrates
on ground, in grass, or among stones
and boulders on open ground.
SIMILAR SPECIES
OCCURRENCE
CORN BUNTING HOUSE SPARROW 2; CIRL BUNTING 2; Breeds in Spain, Portugal, S France,
see p.403 see p.375 see p.399
plainer S Italy, and Balkans; typically in
head sharper dry, stony, or sandy areas with
face
plain cliffs or road cuttings; in rocky
tail larger plain places, gorges, and mountainous
below
regions, present all year.
no tail tail edged
spots white Seen in the UK
JF M A M J JA S ON D
Length 15–17cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 21–23cm (8 1 ⁄2 –9in) Weight 20–28g ( 11 ⁄16–1oz)
Social Small flocks Lifespan 2–5 years Status Secure
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