Immature male Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus)

The Cape Sparrow or Mossie is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae found in southern Africa. A medium-sized sparrow at 14–16 centimetres , it has distinctive plumage including large pale head stripes. Both sexes are mostly coloured grey, brown, and chestnut, and the male has some black and white markings on its head and neck. It inhabits semi-arid savanna, cultivated areas, and towns, and ranges from the central coast of Angola to Lesotho. Three subspecies are distinguished.

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