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Birds

Birds

Common name Rock sparrow
Scientific name Petronia petronia
Type Cliff-nesting birds
Status Resident

Small bird (about 17 cm or 6.5 in), although the largest among the sparrows. Grey-brown upperparts with dark stripes. Brown head with three longitudinal stripes: a clear one on the eye, another dark brown one on top of the previous one and wider, and another one lower, also dark but shorter. The crown is greyish brown. Underparts of light tones and grey colour stripes. Under the throat there is a yellow spot and on the tail white spots on the tips, very visible in flight.

Habitats

Rocky environments

Where it lives

Species linked to rock fields and open areas, steppes, farmlands, cleared forests, meadows, abandoned quarries or uninhabited rural buildings.

How it lives

Bird resident all year round in the province. The Rock Sparrow breeds from April. Troglodyte habits. Nest in hollows, among rocks or in abandoned farmhouses. One annual laying of 4 to 7 eggs. It feeds on seeds and complements its diet with fruits and berries in autumn and invertebrates in spring.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

Frequent bird in the province, which is often confused with females or young house sparrows. It can be watched, for example, in the Torcal de Antequera, the Alto Genal, the Sierra de la Utrera (Casares) or in many abandoned farmhouses of the Guadalteba region. Present in stages 10, 21 and 26 of the Great Path, among others.

Curious facts

Some birds, such as sparrows, usually have dust baths. You can see them in the middle of the lanes or in sandy areas, where they seem to wallow and open their wings in a compulsive way. This behaviour allows them to get rid of external parasites. The Rock Sparrow emits a nervous and sharp call similar to a squeak. Its name in English makes clear reference to its troglodyte customs (of someone that lives in caverns). “Petronia” is the local word with which this species is known in certain regions of Italy and also its Latin name.

Similar birds
Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration
Audios