The Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans) is also known as Cinnamon Tree Sparrow – russet referring to its dark brown colour of its plumage with a red-orange tinge. The species is sexually dimorphic – the male shown above and the female below.
It is found in parts of Eastern Asia and the Himalayas.
Avinash Sant’s video clip of these sparrows having a bath was documented in Sattal, Uttarakhand, India. It was posted on 20th March to commomerate World Sparrow Day (below).
Bathing is a way sparrows keep their feathers clean and in top condition. Other methods include sand bath, leaf bath, preening, sunning and anting.
Avinash Sant
Mumbai, India
21 March 2017
This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.