old world sparrow

1. Bird Name

English name: Old World Sparrow
Scientific name: Passeridae

2. Appearance

Old World Sparrows are small birds, with a somewhat compact body, round head and broad, short beaks. The coloration varies among species, but generally, they bear a resemblance of brown, grey or white. Some species feature distinctive black patches. Sparrows have stout legs with strong claws suited for hopping and scratching on the ground. The differences in appearance between males and females, known as sexual dimorphism, are evident in some species. Older male sparrows tend to have blacker bibs than their younger counterparts, and female sparrows are usually duller with no black markings, varying degrees of buff or brown hues all over.

3. Size

On average, Old World Sparrows measure roughly 15 cm (5.9 inches) in length, excluding individuals of larger species such as the Parrot-billed Sparrows. The weight of adult sparrows ranges between 24 to 39 grams (0.85 to 1.38 ounces) depending on the species.

4. Habitat & Distribution

Old World Sparrows are native to Eurasia and North Africa. However, human activity has led to their spread across the globe, where they’ve successfully colonized many areas. They prefer living in open habitats such as grasslands and scrubby areas, but are notably adaptable and can be found in various environments including urban areas, farmlands, and gardens.

5. Interesting Facts

One interesting fact about Old World Sparrow is their social nature. They like roosting in large flocks, often interacting through various calls. They are also well-known for their dust-bathing behavior, where they “bathe” in dust by vigorously ruffling their feathers in dry dirt. Culturally, in various societies, sparrows symbolize joy, protection, simplicity, and productivity.

6. Diet

Old World Sparrows are fundamentally granivorous. They typically feed on small pebbles, grains and seeds. However, they can be opportunistic feeders taking insects and other small invertebrates, particularly during the breeding season.

7. Behavior & Sounds

Old World Sparrows are known for their ground-scratching behavior when foraging. They’re monogamous birds that make simple nests in protective spaces, like tree holes or buildings. Their vocalizations include various chirruping calls. The variation between their songs is minimal, typically consisting of brief and monotonous cheeping noises.

8. Conservation Status

Most of the Old World Sparrow species have a broad distribution range and large population. They are listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List. However, some species such as the Italian Sparrow have a restricted range and are categorized as “Near Threatened”.

9. Lifespan

The average lifespan of Old World Sparrows is 4-5 years in the wild. However, some individuals have been known to live up to 13 years. The survival rate in a captive environment is usually higher.

10. Additional Notes

In other languages, Old World Sparrows are known as “Gorrión” in Spanish, “Passer domesticus” in Latin, “Haussperling” in German, while in French they go by “Moineau”. They have a generally neutral relationship with humans, often nesting in proximity to human habitation and farms. In their ecosystem, they play a role in controlling insect populations and in the dispersal of plant seeds.