A small chunky brown-and-gray sparrow introduced to New York in 1851. Adapted spectacularly to human settlements — they're among the most successful invasive bird species in history.

Also called: English Sparrow

Native status: Introduced from Eurasia (now widespread)

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 12–17 cm (4.7–6.7 in); wingspan 18–24 cm
Weight13–25 g
LifespanWild typically 2–4 years
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyPasseridae

§ Encyclopedia

The house sparrow is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of 16 cm (6.3 in) and a mass of 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, and males have brighter black, white, and brown markings. One of about 25 species in the genus Passer, the house sparrow is native to most of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and a large part of Asia. Its intentional or accidental introductions to many regions, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, make it the most widely distributed wild bird.

Source: Wikipedia — House sparrow Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Male has a gray crown, black bib, chestnut nape, and pale cheeks; female and young are plain dusty brown with a buff eyebrow and unstreaked breast.

Similar species. Native sparrows are streakier and slimmer; the chunky build, stout bill, and association with buildings mark the House Sparrow.

Voice. Monotonous chirping 'cheep-cheep-chirrup' rather than a true song.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Seeds (primary), insects (especially during breeding).

Behavior. An introduced Old World species now abundant in cities and farms across North America; gregarious, dust-bathing, and closely tied to human structures for nesting.

§ Range

Native to Eurasia; introduced and naturalized across North America

§ Habitat

Cities, towns, agricultural buildings, suburbs

§ Threats

In North America: competes with native cavity nesters (bluebirds, swallows) for nest holes.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the house sparrow is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

In North America: use sparrow-resistant nest boxes for natives. Don't feed house sparrows.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List