Cape Sparrow

A common garden and farmland bird across southern Africa, recognised by the male's bold black-and-white head pattern and chestnut back, usually seen foraging on bare ground or short grass in small, active flocks. Listen for its cheerful chirping chatter around gardens, farmyards and semi-arid scrub, where it often mixes with other sparrows near feeders or livestock pens. Easiest to see year-round, with more visible activity around nest sites during the breeding season.