Russet Sparrow

The russet sparrow, also known as the cinnamon or cinnamon tree sparrow, is a small passerine bird belonging to the sparrow family Passeridae. This seed-eating bird is characterized by its chunky build and thick bill, measuring approximately 14 to 15 cm in length and weighing between 18 to 22.5 grams. The plumage is predominantly warm rufous above and grey below, with a body that is robust and well-adapted to its granivorous diet.

Identification Tips

Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism, with patterns similar to those of the house sparrow. The breeding male boasts a bright russet or cinnamon red upper body, a small black bib, and a pale grey or yellow-washed underbelly. The female, on the other hand, has pale brown upperparts and grey underparts, with a cream supercilium and a dark brown eye stripe. The bill color varies with sex and breeding status, ranging from black in breeding males to horn-colored in non-breeding males and yellowish with a dark tip in females.

Habitat

The russet sparrow is typically found in light woodland and terrace cultivation in the Himalayas. It adapts well to human habitations in towns where house and Eurasian tree sparrows are absent. At higher altitudes in the southern part of its range, it prefers less built-up areas with gardens and open spaces.

Distribution

This bird's range extends across parts of eastern Asia and the Himalayas. It breeds from northern India through southeastern Tibet to Nuristan in Afghanistan, and in eastern Asia from Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands to parts of China, Korea, and Japan.

Behaviour

The russet sparrow is known for its sweet and musical chirps, which form a song when strung together. It is not social during the breeding season, with nests dispersed rather than clustered. However, it forms flocks when not breeding and is gregarious in winter, forming large communal roosts.

Song & Calls

The russet sparrow's calls are described as the sweetest and most musical among sparrows. Its basic call is a soft cheep or chilp, and it also has a short song composed of strung-together calls.

Breeding

Breeding season is short, with nests typically located in tree cavities or holes in cliffs or buildings. The male selects the nest site and uses it for courtship displays. Clutches usually contain five or six whitish eggs, with both sexes sharing incubation and feeding duties.

Similar Species

The male russet sparrow can be confused with the Eurasian tree sparrow, which has a black cheek spot and brown back, while the female resembles the female house sparrow but with slightly darker, russet-tinged plumage.

Diet and Feeding

The diet mainly consists of seeds from herbs, grains, berries, and insects, particularly during the breeding season. This diet makes the russet sparrow both a minor pest in agriculture and a predator of insect pests.

Conservation Status

The russet sparrow is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently at significant risk of global extinction. Its population is abundant in most habitats across its large range.