house sparrow
1. Bird Name
The subject of this profile is the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).
2. Appearance
House Sparrows are small yet robust birds with a strong, conical bill suited to their grain-eating diet. Their plumage is mostly in shades of gray and brown, with a streaked back and wings. Males and females are sexually dimorphic, differing in appearance. Males typically feature a black bib, white cheeks, and a chestnut nape, whereas females are duller, with browner plumage overall and no black bib.
3. Size
House Sparrows are relatively small, typically measuring about 16 cm (6.3 inches) in length. The wingspan ranges from 21 to 25 cm (8.3 to 9.8 inches). They weigh between 24 to 39.5 grams (0.8 to 1.4 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution
House Sparrows have a global distribution and are found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. They have also been introduced to South America, Africa, and Australia. This adaptability to different environments has enabled them to inhabit an array of regions, from city centers to rural farmlands. They’re most commonly seen around human habitation.
5. Interesting Facts
House Sparrows are known to bathe in dust, a behavior called dust bathing; they sprinkle dust over their bodies like water, which helps maintain their plumage. They are also non-migratory birds, usually living their entire lives within a few kilometers of their birthplace. Their association with human dwellings is so notable that their Latin name, “domesticus,” refers to this trait.
6. Diet
House Sparrows have a diverse diet, including seeds, fruits, and insects. Although they strongly prefer grains – especially oats, wheat, and barley – they will also feed on innovative food sources in urban areas such as food scraps.
7. Behavior & Sounds
House Sparrows are social birds that nest in loose colonies and can often be seen in large groups at feeding sites or roosting locations. Their continuous and energetic chirping is a familiar sound in many cities, with males creating a distinctive chirruping call during courtship and feeding.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the House Sparrow is categorized as ‘Least Concern.’ However, in certain parts of its range, particularly in urban settings in Europe, severe population declines have been observed.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, the average lifespan of a House Sparrow is between 3 to 7 years, although some individuals have been known to live up to 13 years. In captivity, with care and no predators, they may live even longer.
10. Additional Notes
An interesting point about the House Sparrow is the large number of vernacular names it has around the world due to its close association with humans. For example, in Italy, it’s known as “passera europea,” and in Spain, it’s known as “gorrión común.” It plays an important ecological role in controlling insect populations, many of which are pests to human-managed ecosystems. In some cultures, House Sparrows are seen as a symbol of love and companionship, reflecting their social nature.
