All Information About Sparrow Bird
The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a small passerine bird, 14-18 cm long and weighing 24-39.5 g, closely associated with human habitation worldwide. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it has been introduced globally since the 19th century, thriving in urban, suburban, and agricultural areas but avoiding dense forests or deserts. Males feature a black bib, white cheeks, and streaked brown back, while females and juveniles are duller brown with pale supercilia.
Image from – Pexels
Physical Characteristics
House sparrows have a stout, conical bill adapted for cracking seeds, short rounded wings spanning 19-25 cm, and a square-ended tail 5.2-6.5 cm long. Plumage varies by sex and season: breeding males show brighter black bibs and chestnut nape, while non-breeding males duller; females maintain streaked upperparts and plain underparts year-round. Juveniles resemble females but with softer fringes on feathers, molting into adult plumage within months.
Habitat and Distribution
These birds prefer human-modified environments like cities, farms, and villages, nesting in building crevices, eaves, or hedges. They tolerate diverse climates from arid zones to temperate regions, with some subspecies like P. d. bactrianus partially migratory. Globally widespread, populations have declined in Europe and parts of Asia due to habitat loss and pesticides, but they remain abundant in India and introduced regions like North America.
Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding begins in spring, with males establishing territories via chirping displays; pairs form monogamously for a season, often reusing nests. Nests are bulky twig domes lined with feathers, grass, or paper, sited in cavities or shrubs; 3-5 broods per year produce 4-6 pale bluish eggs each, incubated 11-14 days by both parents. Eggs hatch altricial chicks blind and featherless, fed insects initially then seeds.
Lifecycle Stages
Egg to Chick: Newly hatched chicks weigh ~2 g, brooded constantly for warmth; parents regurgitate seed mash and invertebrates, enabling growth to 20-25 g in 10-14 days. Eyes open at 4-5 days, feathers emerge by day 7.
Fledging and Juvenile Phase: Chicks fledge at 15-17 days, remaining dependent 1-2 weeks while learning to forage; juveniles form flocks, molting into adult-like plumage by autumn (first complete molt ~4 months). Sexual maturity reaches 9-10 months, though some breed earlier.
Adulthood: Adults pair annually, with females laying up to 50 eggs lifetime; two annual molts renew plumage post-breeding and pre-winter.
Diet and Foraging
Primarily granivorous, consuming seeds from grains, weeds, and feeders, supplemented by insects (especially breeding season for chicks), spiders, and scraps. Forage in flocks on ground or shrubs, using bill to husk seeds; daily intake ~20% body weight.
Behavior and Vocalizations
Highly social, forming flocks of dozens outside breeding; males sing “chirrup-chirrup” songs and give “tchick” alarm calls. Bath dust regularly, roost communally in winter; aggressive toward other birds at feeders. Lifespan averages 3-5 years wild (up to 13 in captivity), with ~25% annual adult mortality.
Predators, Threats, and Decline
Predators include cats, sparrowhawks, owls, and rats targeting nests; threats encompass pesticides reducing insects, nest competition from starlings, and urbanization altering food. Populations dropped 60-70% in Europe since 1980; conservation involves nest boxes, reduced pesticides.
End of Life
Death often stems from predation (50% juveniles), starvation, disease like avian malaria, or exhaustion during harsh winters; survivors face cumulative wear, with oldest banded bird at 13+ years. No senescence-specific behaviors noted; flocks persist until attrition thins ranks.
List of True Sparrow Species (Genus Passer)
The genus Passer contains 28 recognized species of Old World sparrows, native primarily to Africa, Eurasia, and parts of the Middle East. Below is a complete, authentic list with scientific names and native ranges/distributions, sourced from taxonomic authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the scientific name and size of the house sparrow?
The house sparrow’s scientific name is Passer domesticus. It measures 14-18 cm in length, weighs 24-39.5 g, and has a wingspan of 19-25 cm.
How do male and female house sparrows differ in appearance?
Males have a black bib, white cheeks, gray crown, and streaked brown back, brighter in breeding season. Females and juveniles are duller brown with pale supercilia and streaked upperparts.
Where do house sparrows live and are they migratory?
They inhabit human areas like cities, farms, and villages worldwide, avoiding forests or deserts. Most are resident, but some subspecies like P. d. bactrianus migrate partially.
What do house sparrows eat?
Primarily seeds from grains and weeds, plus insects (key for chicks), spiders, and human scraps. They forage in flocks, husking seeds with their conical bill.
How do house sparrows breed and raise young?
Pairs nest in cavities or shrubs, laying 4-6 pale bluish eggs (3-5 broods/year). Eggs incubate 11-14 days; altricial chicks fledge at 15-17 days, dependent 1-2 weeks more.
What is the lifespan of a house sparrow?
Wild average is 3-5 years due to ~25% annual adult mortality; up to 13 years recorded. Juveniles face 50% predation risk.
Why have house sparrow populations declined?
Causes include pesticides reducing insects, nest competition from starlings, habitat loss, and urbanization. Europe saw 60-70% drops since 1980.
What are common house sparrow behaviors and calls?
Highly social in flocks; males chirp “chirrup-chirrup” songs and “tchick” alarms. They dust bathe, roost communally, and defend feeders aggressively.
What predators threaten house sparrows?
Cats, sparrowhawks, owls, rats, and corvids target adults and nests.
How can we help conserve house sparrows?
Provide nest boxes, reduce pesticides, plant insect-friendly natives, and offer seed feeders away from starlings.
