About the Spanish Sparrow
The Spanish sparrow or willow sparrow is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It is found in the Mediterranean region and south-west and central Asia. It is very similar to the closely related house sparrow, and the two species show their close relation in a "biological mix-up" of hybridisation in the Mediterranean region, which complicates the taxonomy of this species.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Spanish sparrow is a rather large sparrow, at 15–16 cm (6–6.5 in) in length, and 22–36 g (0.78–1.27 oz) in weight. It is slightly larger and heavier than house sparrows, and also has a slightly longer and stouter bill. The male is similar to the house sparrow in plumage, but differs in that its underparts are heavily streaked with black, has a chestnut rather than grey crown, and has white rather than grey cheeks. The female is effectively inseparable from the house sparrow in its basic plumage, which is grey-brown overall but more boldly marked. Voice: The Spanish sparrow's vocalisations are similar to those of the house sparrow. The male gives a call somewhat different from that of the house sparrow when displaying at its nest. This call is a pair of strident, disyllabic chirps, similar to those of the house sparrow, but louder and high-pitched, transcribed as chweeng-chweeng, cheela-cheeli.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Spanish Sparrow sounds like
Where the Spanish Sparrow lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Norway.
When to see the Spanish Sparrow
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Southern Grey-headed SparrowPasser diffususThe southern grey-headed sparrow is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae.
Cape SparrowPasser melanurusFor a sparrow, the Cape sparrow is strikingly coloured and distinctive, and is medium-sized at 14–16 cm (5.5–6.3 in) long.
Northern Grey-headed SparrowPasser griseusThe northern grey-headed sparrow, also known as the grey-headed sparrow, is a species of bird in the sparrow family Passeridae, which is resident in much of tropical Africa.
Side by side: Eurasian Tree Sparrow vs Spanish Sparrow · Cape Sparrow vs Spanish Sparrow
Learn the Spanish Sparrow in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
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.