ROCK SPARROWS

Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passeridae
Genus: Petronia
Species: petronia
Sub-species: madeirensis

Description
The Rock Sparrow is an endemic subspecies in Macaronesia.
Its identification is based principally on its grey-brown colour, the stripes on its head, its large, light-coloured beak, and the yellow patch below its throat. In flight, white tips show on the tail.

Distribution
This bird is not very abundant on the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo, as its population suffered a large decline around the decade of the 30’s, due to the arrival of the Spanish Sparrow. Along the south coast of Madeira, it is found only at the ends of the island, while in the north, it is more commonly seen in some of the villages and cultivated stream beds.

Habitat
This species is associated with lower elevations, where there is creeping vegetation, occurring as well on cliffs overlooking the sea and on farm lands.

Breeding
The Rock Sparrow does not breed in trees, but in the roofs of buildings and in holes in walls, where it builds its nest out of grass and feathers. It lays 5 to 6 eggs up to three times during the year. Nests have been found in February in Porto Santo, but its normal breeding season is between April and July.

Madeiran name: Pardal da Terra
Madeira and Porto Santo Islands
Social: Small flocks
Length: 15 – 17 cm
Status: Secure/Vulnerable

Recommend Tours to watch this species:
Madeira full-day birdwatching tour
Madeira half-day birdwatching tour