Iago Sparrow
Passer iagoensis
The Iago Sparrow (Passer iagoensis) is a rare snowfinches and old world sparrow found in 2 countries, weighing about 32 g. The Iago sparrow, also known as the Cape Verde or rufous-backed sparrow, is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae.
About the Iago Sparrow
The Iago sparrow, also known as the Cape Verde or rufous-backed sparrow, is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It is endemic to the Cape Verde archipelago, in the eastern Atlantic Ocean near western Africa. Females and young birds have brown plumage with black marks above, and a dull grey underside, and are distinguished from other species of sparrow by their large, distinct supercilium. Males have a brighter underside and bold black and chestnut stripes on their head. At 12.5–13 centimetres (4.9–5.1 in) long, it is a smaller sparrow. This bird's vocalisations are mostly variations on its chirp, which differ somewhat between males and females.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Iago sparrow is a small sparrow, 12.5–13 centimetres (4.9–5.1 in) long, with a wing length of 5.5–6.9 centimetres (2.2–2.7 in). Its plumage is similar to that of the house sparrow, and it similarly is sexually dimorphic. The male has a black or greyish-black crown and eyestripe, a grey nape and a small patch of white on the lower forehead. The sides of its head, especially above the eye, are a rich cinnamon colour. The scapulars are white and brown, while the rest of the upperparts are brown, streaked with black and beige.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Netherlands.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Iago Sparrow?
- The Iago sparrow is a small sparrow, 12.5–13 centimetres (4.9–5.1 in) long, with a wing length of 5.5–6.9 centimetres (2.2–2.7 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Iago Sparrow?
- The Iago Sparrow is a small sized bird weighing about 32 g.
- Where can you see an Iago Sparrow?
- The Iago Sparrow occurs in 2 countries, including Cape Verde.
- What birds look similar to an Iago Sparrow?
- The Iago Sparrow is most easily confused with the Sind Sparrow, the Shelley's Sparrow and the Desert Sparrow.
- Is the Iago Sparrow endangered?
- The Iago Sparrow is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Iago Sparrow for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.