House sparrow

Introduction: House sparrows (Passer domesticus) often fall prey to Peregrine falcons, barn owls, the common fiscal and the African rock python. Their habitat range is often in conjunction with human dwellings and settlements in areas ranging from semi-arid scrubland to forest fringes.

Distribution: Throughout most of Namibia less for the more barren regions of Otjozondjupa and Omaheke. Can be observed in Etosha National Park, sections of the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert, the Orange River and Fish River Canyon.
Diet: Hops on the ground to peck seeds, soft buds and fruit. Also takes nectar and short-horned grasshoppers.

Description: Highly vocal bird with a grey nape and crown and chestnut coloured neck and nape. Pump grey, tail dark grey-brown, black upper breast and white underparts.
Breeding: Between 1 and 6 eggs are laid in a partly domed grass cup. Incubation is for around 11 days.

Size: 15cm.

Weight: 26g.