Spanish sparrow: Red Data Book of Armenia

Weavers - Ploceidae

Status. A rare species of very limited distribution in Armenia. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Distribution. Spread from Southern Europe, Canary Isles and the Mediterranean islands eastwards through Asia Minor to Afghanistan and Northwestern India.

Distribution in Armenia. Recorded in a nesting site near the Sevkar village, Tavush Province.

Habitats. Lives in human–dominated landscapes – orchards and vicinities of settlements.

Biological traits. In Armenia, a migratory or non–migratory species. In winter occurs in reedbeds of the Arax riverside. Egg–laying takes place 2, sometimes 3, times a year with the first clutch being laid in April. The clutch consists of 2–8, usually 4–6, eggs. The brooding period is 11–13 days.

Population size and its trends. Since recent times, occurs in small colonies. A very rare species of patchy range and strictly localised nesting.

Major threats. Low numbers.

Conservation measures. Not protected. No need for special protection measures.