The PLAIN SPARROW (_Pyrgitopsis simplex_) is a remarkable species,
inhabiting the wooded country of Eastern Soudan, where it is frequently
to be seen near the huts of the natives. In size it is larger than most
of its congeners, its length being about six and a half inches, and the
span of the wings ten and a half inches. The body is slender, and the
beak much elongated; the plumage, as its name indicates, is of very
uniform colour; the head and neck mouse-grey, the back and wing-covers
rusty brown, the wing and tail quills dark brown, edged with a faint
rust-red; the lower part of the body is of a light reddish grey, the
throat somewhat lighter, and the belly whitish, the eye light reddish
brown, the beak black, and the feet reddish horn colour.
This species is found over the whole of Central and Southern Africa,
where it lives in pairs or small parties, being rarely seen in large
flocks; its habits resemble those of our Field Sparrow, but, unlike that
bird, it often frequents the depths of forests. The nest is built in
holes of trees, or in the straw roofing of the native huts. Its voice
is similar to that of other Sparrows, and the breeding season commences
early in spring. We are unacquainted with the appearance of the eggs.