The Chestnut Sparrow (Passer eminibey) is a small eastern African bird.

The Chestnut Sparrow has a deep chestnut plump body with a thick grey beak. It has black colourings on the face, wings, and tail. It has pale-grey legs. Females are grey-brown with a paler beak, with chestnut only on the lower back and rump.

Chestnut Sparrow (female)

It measures about 11 centimetres (4.5 inches) tall.

The Chestnut Sparrow is common in eastern Africa in dry savannahs, papyrus swamps, and urban areas.

It feeds on grass seeds.

The Chestnut Sparrow is seen in flocks.

It nests in trees. It builds an untidy dome-shaped nest of grass, lined with feathers. Females lay 3-4 eggs, which hatch after about 18 days.

Chestnut Sparrow (female)

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM