House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Family:

Old-World Sparrows

Size:

Small

Visits:

Throughout the Year

Behavior:

Ground Feeders

House Sparrow Facts

House sparrows were first introduced to the United States right here in Brooklyn in the mid-1800s, and these tiny, unassuming birds have since taken the country by storm. Step outside your door and you’re likely to see several of the chubby little birds hopping around in search of food. So-named for their tendency to nest in the protective gutters and eaves of human dwellings, house sparrows are common throughout the continental U.S.—and on the grounds of BBG.

Size:

6" Long

Markings:

Breeding males have marked black throats and “bibs” and vibrant brown-and-black wings and backs, with gray-brown undersides. Non-breeding males are duller all over and lack the black chest. Females and juveniles are generally more muted and gray all over.

Habitat:

House sparrows like to stick close to humans, and can be found throughout the country in cities, towns, and close to farms. Not typically found in wild lands or deep forests.

Behavior:

Unafraid of people, house sparrows are often found hopping around the feet of park-goers in search of crumbs and handouts (a practice that is not recommended). The birds are also quite social with one another, and are often seen in groups.

Diet:

Seeds, insects, human handouts.

Vocals:

It doesn’t take much for a male house sparrow to attract a female: his song is a fairly generic cheep-cheep. As a flock, house sparrows make a bit more noise, a chatty repetition of tweety-tweety.