Yellow-throated Sparrow
Gymnoris xanthocollis
The Yellow-throated Sparrow (Gymnoris xanthocollis) is a uncommon snowfinches and old world sparrow found in 13 countries, weighing about 18 g. The yellow-throated sparrow or chestnut-shouldered petronia is a species of sparrow found in southern Asia.
About the Yellow-throated Sparrow
The yellow-throated sparrow or chestnut-shouldered petronia is a species of sparrow found in southern Asia. It is a species mostly of the dry savannah. They forage on the ground for grain and for berries in bushes. They are often seen perched atop bare branches on trees while calling.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Egypt.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December, with peak activity in February. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Yellow-throated Sparrow?
- It has a finer bill than typical sparrows of the genus Passer and unlike them has no streaks on the plumage. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Yellow-throated Sparrow?
- The Yellow-throated Sparrow is a small sized bird weighing about 18 g.
- Where can you see a Yellow-throated Sparrow?
- The Yellow-throated Sparrow occurs in 13 countries, including India, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Türkiye and Pakistan.
- What birds look similar to a Yellow-throated Sparrow?
- The Yellow-throated Sparrow is most easily confused with the Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow, the Yellow-spotted Bush Sparrow and the Sahel Bush Sparrow.
- Is the Yellow-throated Sparrow endangered?
- The Yellow-throated Sparrow is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Yellow-throated Sparrow for real
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