Great Sparrow

The great sparrow, or southern rufous sparrow, is a bird that one might easily mistake for an oversized house sparrow at first glance. It measures a modest 15–16 cm in length, and its plumage is a study in subtlety and earth tones. The crown and rear neck of this bird are cloaked in a dignified grey, while the upperparts boast a warm rufous hue.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the great sparrow, look for its grey crown and the rufous coloration of its upperparts. These features are key differentiators from its relatives and will aid any birdwatcher in distinguishing this species from the myriad of sparrows that inhabit the African continent.

Habitat

The great sparrow is a denizen of the dry, wooded savannahs, but it is also quite at home in urban settings. It is a bird that has adapted well to the presence of humans, often found in towns where trees and buildings provide ample perching and nesting opportunities.

Distribution

This species is a resident of southern Africa, where it flits and forages under the vast skies and amidst the acacia trees of the savannah, as well as the man-made structures of the towns.

Similar Species

The great sparrow was once thought to be closely related to the Iago sparrow of Cape Verde, but this is no longer considered to be the case. It is part of a complex that includes several 'rufous sparrows' on the African mainland, such as the Socotra sparrow, Kenya sparrow, Kordofan sparrow, and Shelley's sparrow, which are now recognized as separate species.

Conservation status

The great sparrow is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This status indicates that, for now, the great sparrow is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.