Garden birds of Alberton: The Cape sparrow

Did you know the Cape sparrow is a small bird that mostly forages for seeds?

Cape sparrows are small birds commonly seen in small flocks. The male of the species is distinctive, possessing a black face mask with a white crescent towards the back of the head. Its wings are banded cinnamon and black. The females of the species are drabber, lacking the black heads of the males but otherwise look similar.

Cape sparrows eat predominantly seeds, especially various grains. This has made them a common sight in agricultural areas. They have adapted to human influence however and can commonly be seen feeding in cities and towns feeding mostly on grass seeds. The Cape sparrow is seen in small flocks.

The Cape sparrow is largely sedentary in areas where enough water can be found. They can thus be seen year round in Alberton. The Cape sparrow breeds in colonies, building a nest out of twigs which both parents build.

Cape sparrows are highly territorial and have been known to be aggressive towards other species.

Sources:

Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa

https://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-cape-sparrow.html

Also Read:

Garden birds of Alberton: The feral pigeon

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