House Sparrow

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is the most ubiquitous year-round bird in the United States. This bird, an Old World Weaver Finch, was introduced in Brooklyn, New York in 1851 and in San Francisco in 1871-a classic example of man upsetting nature's balance. The Sparrow's population exploded in urban areas where it initially fed on grain for horses (and now scavenges "fast food") and in rural areas where corn and grains were abundant. Ironically, the species experienced an unexplained, sixty-percent population decline in the 1990's in its native Great Britain. House Sparrows remain close to the ground in flocks, "cheeping" constantly.

Field Marks:

The male House Sparrow is a chunky bird with a gray crown, black bib, white cheek, and chestnut brown nape. The female is drab gray-brown with a streaked back and a pale eye stripe. (L 6.25 in.)

Distribution:

All states, except that there is no established population in Alaska.

Similar Species:

	White-throated Sparrow   (species account)   (all photos) The White-throated Sparrow is distinguished by its clearly defined white throat in all plumages and yellow lores next to the eyes.
	Song Sparrow   (species account)   (all photos) The Song Sparrow has a long tail with rufous tinges and a brown-streaked white breast usually with a central spot and no black or gray.

Habitat & Nesting:

House Sparrows nest in building nooks and crannies, eaves of roofs, old nests of other birds and nest boxes. They are absent where man has not left his mark, in the grasslands and forests. House Sparrows invade Bluebird houses and kill adults as well as nestlings. Placing birdhouses away from structures and removing millet and corn from feeders will discourage House Sparrows.

More Information:

House Sparrows consume many weed seeds as well as grains and occasionally insects. Young sparrow families enliven the backyard in summer by hopping up and down in the grass to reach seed heads. Sharp-shinned Hawks, falcons and Eastern Screech Owls prey on Sparrows.