Russet Sparrow - Behaviour

Behaviour

In many aspects of its behaviour, the Russet Sparrow is similar to the House and Eurasian Tree sparrows. Like them, it feeds on the ground, but spends most of its time perching on branches. Unlike those species, it prefers open, exposed branches for perching. The Russet Sparrow is described as shy and wary by some observers, but J. Denis Summers-Smith found it approachable in Indian hill stations. Flocking Russet Sparrows feed close to the ground, moving forward as birds from the rear of a flock move to the front, in what is called "roller feeding". Outside its breeding season, the Russet Sparrow is gregarious and forms flocks to find food, though it infrequently associates with other birds. Wintering flocks tend to keep away from human habitation. The Russet Sparrow is also social at night during the winter, and it forms large communal roosts in trees and bushes. In the breeding season, the female roosts in the nests and the male nests in foliage nearby. The adult Russet Sparrow is mostly a seed-eater, eating the seeds of herbs and weeds as well as rice, barley, and other grains. Berries, such as those of the kingore (certain Berberis spp.), are also eaten when available. Nestlings are fed mostly on insects, especially caterpillars and larval beetles obtained on trees and flying insects caught by aerial pursuit. During the breeding season adults also consume insects. Mortality rates in the Russet Sparrow have not been studied, but it is known that many young birds die from Isospora infections, to which the bird has little resistance. Other recorded parasites of the Russet Sparrow include Protocalliphora blowflies, and Menacanthus chewing lice.