Russet sparrow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Russet sparrow
Male in Kullu, India
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Passeridae
Genus:	Passer
Species:	P. rutilans

The russet sparrow (Passer cinnamomeus) is a small bird also known as the cinnamon sparrow. It belongs to the sparrow family. This bird is about 14 to 15 centimetres long. It has a thick beak and pretty feathers. Its feathers are mostly reddish-brown on top and grey underneath.

Russet sparrows make short chirping sounds. Sometimes, they put these chirps together to create a song. You can find these birds in different parts of Asia. They often live in towns and cities where other sparrows, like Eurasian Tree Sparrows or House Sparrows, are not common.

Types of Russet Sparrows

There are three main types, or subspecies, of the russet sparrow. Each type lives in a different area:

• rutilans: This is the main type of russet sparrow.
• intensior: This type lives in parts of eastern Asia, just like the rutilans type.
• cinnamomeus: This type lives in the Himalayas. You can often see them around terrace farms in these mountains.

What Russet Sparrows Eat

Russet sparrows mainly eat seeds. They find seeds from different kinds of herbs and grains. Their diet helps them stay healthy and strong.

Images for kids

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  An illustration by Philipp Franz von Siebold from Fauna Japonica, showing the russet sparrow.

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  A male russet sparrow during breeding season in Kullu, India.

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  A group of russet sparrows in Murree, Pakistan, during winter.

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  A male russet sparrow eating Yoshino cherry blossoms in Japan.

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  The "Hibiscus and Sparrow" woodblock print from around 1830 by Hokusai, showing a russet sparrow.

See also

In Spanish: Gorrión rutilante para niños