Langkawi Birdwatching: Sparrows with Plain-Backed

Whenever I have this bird on the telescope, the very first thing I will say, "You must see this one. This is not your ordinary plain sparrow!". Most people regard sparrows are common mainly because they always see these birds in their gardens, on the streets and backyard. 

Well, not this one. This is not your ordinary but a Plain-Backed Sparrow Passer flaveolus.

Plain-Backed Sparrow Passer flaveolus male

Passer in Latin means sparrow and flaveolus in Latin is golden black. This pretty male ought to deserve a better common name than a "plained-backed".

The other species of sparrow found on this island is the common Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. The call of a Plain-Backed Sparrow is close to the Eurasian Tree Sparrow  but less harsh and more metallic.

Apparently in Malaysia, this species of sparrow can be seen in the Northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. I have seen this species in Chuping in the state of Perlis. 

If you wish to see them in Langkawi, go wonder around the rice fields area or villages by the rice fields. Plain-backed sparrows are mostly found in open field areas. You will love them, they are gorgeous!

References:

1. A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia by Craig Robson

2. Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names by James A. Jobling