Iago Sparrow

Passer iagoensis

The Iago Sparrow is a small bird that is endemic to the Cape Verde islands, which are located in the Atlantic Ocean off of the western coast of Africa. They live in many different habitats, including urban areas and farms, as well as cliffs and plains.

The birds are sexually dimorphic when it comes to their plumage. Males have a black crown and vibrant reddish-brown feathers on the sides of their head. Females are more drab, and lack the crowns and bright cinnamon feathers.

Iago Sparrows are very social birds, and live in colonies year round. These groups are smaller during the breeding season, but can grow very large outside of it. It is believed that the birds have similar mating habits to House Sparrows, in that they build grass and feather lined nests, and produce up to 5 chicks per clutch.

Though they are endemic to only a few islands, these birds are very abundant. They are listed as being of least concern.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : Cape Verde
Size : Length up to 5in (13cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Passeridae -- Genus : Passer -- Species : P. iagoensis

Image : Ze Pinho