The Italian or Cisalpine Sparrow is found (as expected) in Northern and Central Italy, Corsica, and small parts of France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. This sparrow is associated with human habitations, living in towns, cities, and agricultural areas. In most cities in Italy, it shares the urban environment with the Eurasian Tree Sparrow. The sexes are dimorphic-- the males have chestnut caps and black throat markings. The female resembles the female house sparrow. In most of its range, the Italian Sparrow is an abundant and familiar bird around urban areas. It has been one of the wild birds most commonly consumed as food in Italy. The Italian Sparrow is portrayed in the frescos in the ruins at Pompeii. Italian Sparrow is considered a biological indicator of habitat degradation. From 1998 to 2008, urban populations declined by about 50%. A study of the Italian Sparrow's status listed a large number of potential causes for its decline, including shortages of insect food, agricultural intensification, and reductions of green areas. The Italian Sparrow is among the most common birds in Italian cities, but other species, including the European Goldfinch, are more common. Rendered in Poser 2014 without postwork. Model Credits: Aphroditeion (Moyra), Songbird Sparrows of the World (me/Hivewire3d)