Passeridae

Sparrows and Allies

Family recognized by
IUCN Red List Status: NOT EVALUATED external link Showing: scientific names

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Passeridae

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Lonchura striata
Lonchura striata
Lonchura striata
Lonchura striata
Lonchura striata
Lonchura striata
Lonchura striata
Lonchura striata
Lonchura punctulata

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Table of Contents

General Description

Diversity

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Animal Diversity Web external link
Copyright
©1995-2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors. Some rights reserved external link
Author
Alaine Camfield, Animal Diversity Web
Editor
Kari Kirschbaum, Animal Diversity Web Staff
Location
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation
Camfield, A. 2004. "Passeridae" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 26, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Passeridae.html. 

 

The family Passeridae includes Old World sparrows, snowfinches and relatives. They are often confused with New World sparrows (family Emberizidae). Though they share a superficial resemblance, these two groups are not closely related. Most members of this family are brown or gray and lack any bright coloration. They are seed eaters and have a short, strong, decurved bill. Their songs are usually simple.

 

Old World sparrows were originally found in Europe, Asia and Africa. However, as a result of introductions by humans, today they have an almost worldwide distribution. Old World sparrows generally inhabit open areas. They are well adapted to urban landscapes and can be found alongside humans throughout the world.

 

Howard and Moore’s Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World (2003) lists 11 genera and 40 species within Passeridae. (Dickinson, 2003; Groschupf, 2001)

 
References
  • Dickinson, E. 2003. The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of Birds of the World, 3rd edition. London: Christopher Helm.
  • Groschupf, K. 2001. Old World Sparrows. Pp. 562-564 in C. Elphick, J. Dunning, D. Sibley, eds. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
"Passeridae". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/1627". Accessed 20 Mar 2010.