STUDY OF MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS AND FEEDING PREFERENCES, OF SINDH SPARROW (PASSER PYRRHONOTUS) CAPTURED FROM PUNJAB AREAS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to assess the morphological characteristics and feeding preferences of the Sindh sparrow. A total of 20 Sindh sparrow samples were collected from the marshes of District Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Measurements including bodyweight, total length, tail length, wingspan, single wing length, primary wing length, tarsal, metatarsal, head size, bill length, and body circumference were recorded. Significant differences were found in morphometric characteristics between male and female sparrows. Specific morphometric measurements were taken for male sparrows, including body weight (6.11 ± 0.11g), body length (13.60 ± 0.60 cm), tail length (5.40 ± 0.40 cm), wingspan (20.0 ± 1.50 cm), single-wing length (8.50 ± 1.00 cm), primary wing (7.00 ± 1.00 cm), tarsal (1.90 ± 0.60 cm), metatarsal (1.30 ± 0.50 cm), head (1.60 ± 0.40 cm), bill (1.40 ± 0.50 cm), and circumference (7.75 ± 0.75 cm). These measurements were compared to the female sparrows' corresponding values: body weight (16.20 ± 0.12 g), body length (14.00 ± 0.50 cm), tail length (6.2 ± 0.30 cm), wingspan (20.75 ± 1.75 cm), single-wing length (9.4 ± 0.40 cm), primary wing length (7.35 ± 1.15 cm), tarsal (1.9 ± 0.60 cm), metatarsal (1.45 ± 0.35 cm), head (1.65 ± 0.45 cm), bill (1.4 ± 0.50 cm), and circumference (8.5 ± 1.00 cm). This study concludes that morphometric characteristics and feeding preferences are similar between both sexes of the Sindh sparrow. Their diet consists of herbal substances and various species from different families.