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House Sparrow

Did you know?

House Sparrows are actually in decline in their native Europe. Over the last 25 years in the UK the species has declined by 62% and is now red-listed as a species of high conservation concern.

Calls
House Sparrows give a variety of chirruping and twittering notes. The most typical call is a harsh double-noted "chiisck" or "cherrup".
Facts and Figures
Research Species: 
No
Minimum Size: 
14cm
Maximum Size: 
16cm
Average size: 
15cm
Average weight: 
27g
Breeding season: 
All year round; more concentrated in spring and summer
Clutch Size: 
3 to 6
Incubation: 
14 days
Nestling Period: 
14 days
Conservation Status
Federal: 
Introduced
NSW: 
Introduced
NT: 
Introduced
QLD: 
Introduced
SA: 
Introduced
TAS: 
Introduced
VIC: 
Introduced
WA: 
Introduced
Basic Information
Scientific Name: 
Passer domesticus
Featured bird groups: 
Introduced birds
Atlas Number: 
995
What does it look like?
Description: 

House Sparrows are actually large finches.They are usually seen in small to medium-sized groups, but may occur in huge numbers. The male has a conspicuous grey crown, black face and throat, and dark black and brown upperparts. The remainder of the under parts are pale grey-brown. When breeding, the black of the throat extends to the chest and upper belly. The bill also changes from brown to black. The female is slightly paler than the male and lacks the grey crown and black face, instead having a pale buff eye stripe. Young House Sparrows are similar to the adult female, but are duller with some mottling on the crown, and have a darker bill.

Similar species: 

Another similar, related species is the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus, which is found only in southern New South Wales and central Victoria. Both the male and female Tree Sparrow are similar in appearance to the male House Sparrow, but have an all-brown crown and black cheek patch. These are both introduced species, being 'Old World Sparrows'.

Where does it live?
Distribution: 

The House Sparrow was introduced from Britain between 1863 and 1870. Firstly in Victoria, but later into other areas including Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart. It quickly established itself in urban areas throughout eastern Australia.

Habitat: 

House Sparrows occur in and around human habitation, as well as cultivated areas and some wooded country.

Seasonal movements: 

Usually stay in the same region all year round, but may be partially migratory in some areas.

What does it do?
Feeding: 

One reason for the successful establishment of the House Sparrow in Australia and, indeed, all over the world, is its ability to feed on a wide range of foodstuffs. Birds eat insects, spiders, berries, seeds, flower buds and scraps of food discarded by humans. There are many reports of birds entering canteens in buildings to feed, with birds even learning to activate automatic doors in order to gain entry.

Breeding: 

Male and female House Sparrows form permanent pair bonds. Both sexes build the nest and care for the young, though the female alone incubates the eggs. The nest is a large, untidy ball of grass, wool and feathers, lined with feathers and finer plant material. It is usually located in suitable areas in buildings, such as roof voids and crevices in walls, but may be placed under bridges, in thick bushes or in tree hollows. Several broods may be produced in the extended breeding season.

Living with us

Although the introduction of the House Sparrow was deliberate, and welcomed by many people, it quickly became a major pest, and a reward was paid by the government for the birds and their eggs. Today, the species is so well established in the east that no amount of effort will exterminate the ever-expanding population. The birds however have so far been prevented from establishing themselves in Western Australia, with every bird observed being deliberately destroyed.

References: 
Field Guide to the Birds of Australia.
Finches, Bowerbirds and Other Passerines of Australia.
Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds
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