Iago Sparrow
Photo: Ivo Antušek · Public domain

Snowfinches and Old World Sparrows

Iago Sparrow

Passer iagoensis

LCLeast Concern Endemic to Cape Verde
Family
Snowfinches and Old World Sparrows (Passeridae)
Order
Passeriformes

Overview

The Iago sparrow (Passer iagoensis), also known as the Cape Verde or rufous-backed sparrow, is a passerine bird of the sparrow family Passeridae. It is endemic to the Cape Verde archipelago, in the eastern Atlantic Ocean near western Africa. Females and young birds have brown plumage with black marks above, and a dull grey underside, and are distinguished from other species of sparrow by their large, distinct supercilium. Males have a brighter underside and bold black and chestnut stripes on their head.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Locally in Cape Verde Islands (except Fogo Island).

Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.

Continents

Countries

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.