5



RARE FOREIGN BIRDS*


(SECOND SERIES)


I.—THE GREY-HEADED SPARROW.


Passer diffusus (Smith).


By Arthur G. Butter, Ph.D.


At the present time there are a few specimens of the

Grey-headed Sparrow in the market, they having been sent over

with African Weavers and Singing-finches. The male bird, in

full breeding plumage, has a smoky grey head with black

beak and hazel eye; there is a slight indication of a white

moustachial streak from the base of the mandibles below the

cheek, but it is only emphasised by the slightly greyer chin and

fore-throat; the mantle and shoulders are clear brown; the

back, wings and outer tail-feathers redder, almost chestnut-

brown ; the wing-coverts showing two white shoulder-spots ;

under parts sordid whitish ; legs flesh-brownish.


I find this bird very restless, and somewhat masterful ;

but it is a pretty bird, and its beak has not the powerful

character of that of the English species ; so that, as I keep it

with Weavers and Buntings, I do not think it likely to do much

mischief: it has uttered no sound since it came into my

possession.


Dr. Russ speaks of this species as “ a genuine Sparrow,

with all its failings :—impudence, boldness, and importunity.

When caught, he gives utterance in the hand to prolonged,

plaintive, melodious sounds, which, at other times, one never

hears. Eoose in a bird-room, it builds a nest in a bush,

charming, Magpie-like, with an over-arched roof of twigs, the

cup moulded of Agave-fibres, threads, bents and feathers.

Sitting, 4-6 eggs, like those of the House-sparrow. Young

plumage : earthy brownish grey ; head paler ; under - surface

whitish grey; wing-bauds delicate; beak brown, the base

broadly yellow ; eyes black ; feet flesh-grey. Days also readily

in nests of strangers, and chases away the owners. Spiteful

towards small associates. Only arrives in the market by chance,

either singly or in a few pairs. Kept alone in a large cage is

sure to give satisfaction ; but, nevertheless, is not deserving of

any special regard.”


Although they do not, by any means, equal the so-called

Song-sparrows in beauty, either of form or colouring, the true



* The word “Rare” in this title is to be understood in the sense of

“ rarely imported,” and it is not to be inferred that the birds included in

the series are necessarily rare in their native country.



