A male House Sparrow on our cactus statue.
Latin Name: Passer domesticus
House Sparrows are one of the most common birds we have. Their success in the wild is a result of their close relationship to humans. They are found in backyards, cities and throughout North America and most parts of the world. The House Sparrow was introduced in Brooklyn, New York in 1851. By 1900 they spread to the Rocky Mountains. They originated in Eurasia and North Africa.
Here’s a map of their range in North and South America:
This is a female House Sparrow on the birdseed block.
They are a small bird that has an average length of 16 cm and a mass of 24–39.5 g. Females and young sparrows are pale brown and grey, while males have brighter black, white, and brown markings.
They eat mostly seeds but will also eat insects as well as left over fast food from people or bread crumbs.
A House Sparrow visiting our birdbath.
They nest in manmade objects like eaves of houses, light boxes and planters. They also take over other birds nests in trees. A typical clutch size is three to four eggs and they may have several broods per year.
Three male sparrows splashing in the bird bath. House Sparrows are my most frequent visitors to the bird bath.
Calls: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Sparrow/sounds
I did not know they were an introduced species. So, where did these little brown birds come from?
Good question. Eurasia and North Africa.
Ah. Thanks.
I should have included that in my post. Thank goodness for the edit button.
I’ve practically worn out my edit button.
I need to catch up with reading your blog. I’m three stories behind. I’m struggling with internet lately. I think it’s the monsoon weather.
Well, don’t go outside wearing anything metallic.
👍🏼
I will never NOT be stunned by nature and how birds, especially, can have colorations that allow them to blend so beautifully into surroundings. Stunning pics, Elizabeth! 💝💝💝
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. I only have a few species of birds left for Bird of the Week, unless I get some more newcomers.
It’s been so fun learning from you! 💝
Thanks! I’m learning a lot too. It’s nice to know more about the birds I see every day. 💕
Love it!!!❤️❤️❤️
💕💕
Great to take a close look at common birds. House sparrows are extremely aggressive, and it is possible that you find them most often at the bath because they drive away other birds. It would be great of you could watch for it and try to catch the aggression.
Good idea. I will keep my eyes open to watch for their aggression.
I love sparrows and see them all the time. Amazing shots!
Thank you! Until I started taking their photos at the birdbath, I wasn’t paying attention to them.
All of the birds at your preserve seem to love getting their picture standing on that horseshoe creation. Do you have a sign-up sheet for the birds to sign up for their photo times? You must. I know I’ve seen that before. Didn’t you just have a photo of Red in the same spot. Love that it’s so popular. They must all fight over the spot. Cool to see.
Yes. The birds love the horseshoe cactus. The other busy spots are the Costco flamingos. 🦩
We also have them here. But love your photos of these small birds. Must take a lot of patience to get these pictures.
Thanks. I find it relaxing to take these photos. I also get satisfaction when I download them from my camera and view them on my laptop.
You’re doing great
Thank you! 😊
You’re very welcome
Wow – that range is amazing! I love the picture of the three in the bird bath. Lovely! Thanks, Elizabeth!
The three sparrows were having fun splashing in the water. I’m making sure I empty and refill the birdbath every day now because it’s hot!
Yes, sparrows loved our bird bath too and feeder. They were the most common bird we had at them. Those and starlings. We didn’t care for the starlings for they would always bully the other birds, trying to keep them away from the food. They didn’t know the rules about sharing. LOL!
I read the three most common birds are House Sparrows, Starlings and Rock Pigeons. We’ve only had the starlings and pigeons a few times. You’re correct. Some birds aren’t good at sharing!
They are annoying little birds and a bit of a pest here as well. Good photos and information 😀
Thanks! I overlooked them until you introduced me to this challenge.
I tend to admire the adaptability of some species. We can decry all the introductions of non-natives, but the critters aren’t to blame. They are just living, that’s what they’re here for, like everyone else.