- Carpospiza brachydactyla
Also known as: Pale Rock Sparrow
Identification
5.3–5.7 in (13.5–14.5 cm); 1.0–1.4 oz (28–40 g). Generally rather featureless pale brown bird with a short, stout bill. Long, triangular-shaped wings recall lark in flight. Sexes are similar, but juvenile paler, more sandy-colored.
Distribution
The breeding range of Pale Rock Finch (AKA Hill Sparrow) in the western Palearctic is limited to N Israel, Lebanon, SE Turkey, Armenia and parts of the Arabian peninsula. During the migration period, it may also occur in other parts of the Middle-east. In Israel, Pale Rock Finch is a rare autumn and a rare to common spring passage migrant, particularly through eastern parts, and a scarce breeding summer visitor on Mt. Hermon, in altitudes of 1,250-1,800m.
Taxonomy
Petronia brachydactyla Bonaparte, 1850, Kunfuda, western Arabia. From its behavior and form of nest has been considered to be a cardueline finch, but the horny palate and digestive tract confirm it belongs to Passeridae.
Habitat
Sparsely vegetated regions up to 9,850 ft (3,000 m).
Behaviour
Spends much of the time on the ground, forming flocks of up to several hundreds outside the breeding season that collect near water or fields of ripening grain. It eats mainly seeds of grasses, including cultivated cereals, but takes some insects during breeding season. Nestlings are mainly reared on insects. Nest is open, untidy cup of twigs lined with softer material in bush or tree close to ground. Clutch is four to five eggs, incubation 13–14 days, fledging 11–16 days. Incubation by female only, but both sexes feed the young.
