Russet Sparrow
Passer cinnamomeus
The Russet Sparrow (Passer cinnamomeus) is a uncommon snowfinches and old world sparrow found in 14 countries, weighing about 18 g. The russet sparrow, also called the cinnamon or cinnamon tree sparrow, is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae.
About the Russet Sparrow
The russet sparrow, also called the cinnamon or cinnamon tree sparrow, is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. A chunky little seed-eating bird with a thick bill, it has a body length of 14 to 15 cm (5.5–5.9 in). Its plumage is mainly warm rufous above and grey below. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the plumage of both sexes patterned similarly to that of the corresponding sex of house sparrow. Its vocalisations are sweet and musical chirps, which when strung together form a song.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The russet sparrow is a small chunky bird, with plumage warm rufous in overall colour. It is a medium-sized sparrow at 14 to 15 cm (5.5–5.9 in) and 18 to 22.5 grams (0.63–0.79 oz). It has a thick bill suited to eating seeds, which is black on the breeding male, horn-coloured on the non-breeding male, and yellowish with a dark tip on the female. Wingspans for males range between 6.8 to 8.2 cm (2.7–3.2 in) and those for females from 6.7 to 7.7 cm (2.6–3.0 in). Tail, bill, and tarsus lengths are 4.3 to 5.1 cm (1.7–2.0 in), 1.1 to 1.3 cm (0.43–0.51 in), and 1.6 to 1.8 cm (0.63–0. Voice: The russet sparrow's vocalisations are described by most sources as "the sweetest and most musical" of any sparrow. Its basic call is a cheep or chilp, similar to that of other sparrows. This call is monosyllabic, unlike the house sparrow's chirrup call, and is softer than that of the other sparrows. This call is given as a flight call, or by displaying males.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Thailand.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, October, November, December, with peak activity in April. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Russet Sparrow?
- The russet sparrow is a small chunky bird, with plumage warm rufous in overall colour. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Russet Sparrow?
- The Russet Sparrow is a small sized bird weighing about 18 g.
- Where can you see a Russet Sparrow?
- The Russet Sparrow occurs in 14 countries, including India, Taiwan, China, Bhutan and Japan.
- What birds look similar to a Russet Sparrow?
- The Russet Sparrow is most easily confused with the Italian Sparrow, the Northern Grey-headed Sparrow and the Plain-backed Sparrow.
- Is the Russet Sparrow endangered?
- The Russet Sparrow is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Russet Sparrow for real
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