Sahel Bush Sparrow vs Yellow-throated Sparrow

Sahel Bush Sparrow

Gymnoris dentata

Small18 gDesert

The Sahel bush sparrow is a small bird with a large, conical beak and a short tail. It grows to a length of about 13 cm (5 in). The male has a grey crown, a wide but ill-defined reddish-brown supercilium and greyish-brown face and throat, surrounding the creamy-white bib. The male's beak is black during the breeding season but horn-coloured during the rest of the year. The plumage on the upper parts and tail is mainly brown, with no white on the tail. The upper throat has an ill-defined yellowish spot and the breast is creamy-buff, becoming whiter on the belly.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Zac Peterson · CC BY 4.0

Yellow-throated Sparrow

Gymnoris xanthocollis

Small18 gForest

It has a finer bill than typical sparrows of the genus Passer and unlike them has no streaks on the plumage. The white double wing bar on the shoulder is diagnostic on the otherwise dull grey-brown sparrow. Males have a chestnut shoulder patch which can sometimes be hard to see. They also have a pale yellow spot on the throat in fresh plumage. Females are duller and lack the chestnut shoulder patch. The yellow spot is much reduced or lacking in females. This species is tree-loving although sometimes seen on wires and on the ground, where it has a hopping gait.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Кирилл · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Sahel Bush Sparrow and Yellow-throated Sparrow.