Sparrows are small, finch-like birds marked by short, stubby, seed-eating bills. They spend much of their time foraging on the ground. They are mostly coloured in shades of brown and buff. In many species the male is more boldly marked than the female. Sparrows are gregarious and are often colonial breeders.
 
There are 42 species worldwide, all in the Old World. Five species breed in Europe.
 
Species seen but not photographed:

• Rock Sparrow : Spain (November 2018)