In November 2005 the first edition of this column appeared in The Community News. Recently I was thinking about the fact I had never written a column on the house sparrow. The reason is obvious, does anyone consider this their favourite bird?
Aggressive, abundant year-round resident, dirty, noisy, unpopular are common descriptions. Because the house sparrow competes for food and nest sites, some native species have suffered greatly. This bird will kill by pecking at adult birds, nestlings and eggs of other species in order to take over birdhouse or cavity. Many of our much-beloved species have suffered, notably bluebirds. They do considerable damage to crops, admittedly consuming some destructive pests. History: In the mid-1800s eight pairs of this bird were brought to New York City from Europe and north Africa to (unsuccessfully) control cankerworms in crops. They are a member of the Weaver Finch family.
I.D.: Breeding Male: rich, brown head; chestnut nape; black throat; white cheeks, wings; tail striped with black; two distinct white wing bands; bill black; grey under parts; feet and legs pink. Female: Dull brown with buff chin, chest and belly; light buff coloured eyebrows and yellow/grey bill. Size: L14-17cm/5-6 1/4”.
Habitat: city and town backyards. Found in most of southern Ontario and parts of boreal forest. Song: chirrup. Shrill, monotonous, noisy chirping.
Nesting: communal, human-made structures, shrubs, cavities. Large, dome-shaped nest. Two or three (some say five) broods a season, making them prolific. Roosts in groups at night in fall and winter, gathering in midday in fixed spots and chirping noisily.
Resources: Birds of Ontario by A. Bezener; Stokes, Audubon and Lorimer field guides.
Submitted by Susan Warren
