Species Profile

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

House Sparrow

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

3–5 years

Length

14–18 cm

Weight

24–39 g

Wingspan

19–25 cm

Migration

Resident

A feisty little bird that's made itself at home in cities worldwide, chirping from rooftops and hopping about in parks and gardens.

Also known as: English Sparrow, Domestic Sparrow

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Gallery

Appearance

House Sparrows are small, plump birds with rounded heads and stout beaks. Males have a grey crown, chestnut-brown nape, and black bib that expands during breeding season. Their wings display distinct brown and black streaks.

Females are duller, with a mix of brown and grey feathers and a pale stripe behind the eye. Juveniles resemble females but have less defined markings and a yellowish gape.

Identification & Characteristics

Male Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: Black
Beak: Grey
Legs: Brown

Female Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: Buff
Beak: Grey
Legs: Brown

Female Markings

Pale supercilium, plain breast

Attributes

Agility75/100

Strength30/100

Adaptability95/100

Aggression60/100

Endurance70/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

House Sparrows are found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in human-modified environments. They inhabit urban areas, farmlands, and suburban gardens, often nesting in buildings and other structures.

They are widespread across the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. While generally non-migratory, some northern populations may move short distances during harsh winters.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

United Kingdom

Wales

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Cambridgeshire

Rutland

Bedfordshire

Buckinghamshire

Berkshire

Bristol

Cheshire

Cornwall

Cumbria

Derbyshire

Devon

Dorset

Durham

East Riding of Yorkshire

Essex

East Sussex

Gloucestershire

Hampshire

Herefordshire

Hertfordshire

Isle of Wight

Kent

Merseyside

Lancashire

Leicestershire

Lincolnshire

London

Manchester

Northumberland

Norfolk

Northamptonshire

Nottinghamshire

North Yorkshire

Oxfordshire

South Yorkshire

Tyne and Wear

West Midlands

Suffolk

Shropshire

Somerset

Surrey

Staffordshire

Stockton-on-Tees

Warwickshire

Wiltshire

West Yorkshire

Worcestershire

West Sussex

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Diet

House Sparrows are omnivorous, primarily feeding on seeds, grains, and insects. They readily eat human food scraps in urban areas.

During the breeding season, they increase their intake of insects to feed their young. These adaptable birds also consume buds, berries, and small fruits when available.

They can be a pest in farming areas due to their habit of eating grain crops and stored grains and animal feeds.

Behaviour

House Sparrows are highly social, often seen in noisy flocks. They hop rather than walk when on the ground, frequently dust-bathe, and are known for their bold behaviour around humans. These birds are opportunistic feeders, readily visiting bird feeders and scavenging in urban areas.

Calls & Sounds

House Sparrows are known for their constant chirping. Their most common call is a simple 'cheep' or 'chirp'. Males have a repetitive 'chirrup' song used for courtship and territory defence. In flocks, they produce a variety of chattering sounds, creating a lively, social atmosphere.

These birds are most vocal in the mid-afternoon, although you might hear them at any time of day.

Nesting & Breeding

House Sparrows form monogamous pairs, typically breeding from early spring to late summer. Males attract females by calling and displaying their black bibs.

Nests are built in cavities of buildings, nest boxes, or dense vegetation. They're messy structures made of grass, feathers, and debris. Females lay 3-7 whitish eggs with brown speckles.

Incubation lasts about 11-14 days, shared by both parents. Chicks fledge after 14-16 days but continue to be fed by parents for another 1-2 weeks.

Conservation

While globally listed as Least Concern, House Sparrow populations have declined significantly in some urban areas, particularly in the UK and parts of Europe.

Factors include changes in agricultural practices, reduction in nesting sites, and increased predation. Conservation efforts focus on providing suitable nesting habitats in urban environments.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 896,000,000 - 1,310,000,000 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Decreasing^[2]

Elevation

Up to 4,500 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Common predators include domestic cats, hawks, owls, and corvids. In urban areas, they may also fall victim to window collisions and vehicle strikes.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for flocks in urban and suburban areas, especially near buildings and parks.
Listen for their distinctive chirping calls, often heard in groups.
Observe their behaviour around bird feeders, where they're frequent visitors.
In the UK and US, check eaves and building crevices for nesting sites.

Did You Know?

House Sparrows can swim to escape predators, though they're not aquatic birds.
They were intentionally introduced to many parts of the world in the 1800s.
A group of sparrows is called a 'quarrel' due to their noisy, squabbling nature.