House Sparrow

House Sparrow

Habitat:
One of the most widespread and abundant songbirds in the world today is the House Sparrow. It has a simple success formula; it associates with humans. Native to Eurasia and northern Africa, it has thrived in urban and farming areas all over the world including North America where it was introduced in New York in 1851. It is a permanent resident over most of its range, including North America.
Tough, adaptable, and aggressive, it survives on city sidewalks where few birds can make a living. It may even evict native birds from their nests.

Diet:
Mostly seeds. In most situations, a great majority of its diet is weed and grass seeds or waste grain. The House Sparrow also eats some insects, especially in summer. In urban situations, it also scavenges crumbs of food left by humans. It visits bird feeders for a variety of items.

Nesting:
Usually in an enclosed niche such as cavities in trees, holes in buildings, rain gutters and birdhouse. Where such sites are scarce, they will nest in open on tree branches. Nest is built by both parents.

Eggs:
Usually 3-6, sometimes 2-7. Whitish to greenish white, with brown and gray dots concentrated toward the large end.. Incubation is by both parents, 10-14 days.

Young:
Both parents feed the nestlings. Young leave the next about 2 weeks after hatching. 2-3 broods per year.
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