Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
ShrublandCavity nestSmall · 32 g
ID tip
The Swainson's sparrow reaches a body length of 16 centimetres (6.3 in). There is no conspicuous sexual dimorphism. It is often considered a race of grey-headed sparrow, but it tends to be darker, especially on the head and shoulders. There is a white bar on the shoulder, but this is not always visible. Similarly, the pale chestnut tail and rump is not always visible.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Swainson's Sparrow
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Swainson's Sparrow
The map shades 5 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Sudan.
About the Swainson's Sparrow
The Swainson's sparrow is a species of bird in the sparrow family Passeridae. Sometimes considered a subspecies of the grey-headed sparrow, it occurs in northeastern Africa, largely in the Ethiopian Highlands. This sparrow was named after the English naturalist and illustrator William Swainson.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Dead Sea SparrowPasser moabiticusAt 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in) long it is one of the smaller species of its family, some 4 cm (1.6 in) shorter than the widespread house sparrow.
Parrot-billed SparrowPasser gongonensisThe parrot-billed sparrow is found in the arid lowlands of eastern Africa.
Chestnut SparrowPasser eminibeyLike the other members of the sparrow family, the chestnut sparrow is a small, chunky songbird with a thick bill suited to its diet of seeds.
Side by side: Chestnut Sparrow vs Swainson's Sparrow
Learn the Swainson's Sparrow in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery 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.