Plain sparrow
Plain sparrow
The Plain-backed Sparrow (Passer flaveolus),
also called the Pegu Sparrow or Olive-backed Sparrow, is a sparrow found in the
Asian countries of Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia.
In Malaysia it is more commonly seen in the northern states like Perlis and
Kedah. It is spreading south along Malay Peninsula as a result of forest
clearance.
The male has greenish-grey crown to upper mantle. Yellowish forehead and side
of forecrown with black lores Crescent-shaped chestnut band behind eye around
rear of yellow ear-coverts and cheek and extending down to side of neck.
Chestnut lower mantle, upper back, scapulars and lesser upperwing-coverts.
Greyish-yellow lower back to uppertail-coverts. Dull yellowish to olive median
upperwing-coverts Blackish greater coverts with broad pale edges and narrow
pale tips Dark grey or grey-brown tail Chin and centre of throat black
Pale yellow side of throat and underparts, greyer on breast and flanks.Similar
in non-breeding plumage but plumage pattern obscured by pale feather tips
The female has plain brownish above with prominent broad buffish supercilium
Whitish-yellow to buffish-white chin and throat. Very clean appearance
Juveniles resemble females.
Occurs in cultivated areas with trees, plantations and small crops, scrub and
woodland edges. Overlaps with Eurasian Tree Sparrow at edges of areas inhabited
by man. Found from lowlands up to 1500m.
Feeds on vegetable matter like seeds of grasses, cultivated cereals and small
herbs. Nestlings are fed with insects. Forages in small groups in trees and on
the ground. Breeding season from January to July. Breeds in loose colonies of 5
to 10 pairs. The nest is a woven globular structure made of grasses and small
twigs. It's placed well hidden in branches of a tree or in a hole in a tree or
a building. Lays 3 - 4 eggs. It is a nomadic species.
